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THE 



VOLUNTEERS' ROLL OF HONOR. 

A COLLECTION OP THE 

NOBLE AND PRAISEWOETHY DEEDS 

PERFORMED IN THE 

CAUSE OF THE UNION 

BY THE 

HEROES OF THE ARMY AND MVY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



BY WESLEY BRADSHAW. 



IN THIS COLLECTION, THE GREATEST CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO OBTAIN 

AND RECORD THE PROPER NAME OF EACH SOLDIER OR SEAMAN WHO 

HAS, DURING THE GREAT REBELLION, RENDERED HIMSELF FAMOUS 

BY REASON OF HIS BRAVERY OR DEVOTION TO THE UNION 

CAUSE, AND ALSO THE CORRECT NUMBER AND LETTER OF 

HIS REGIMENT AND COMPANY, OR NAME OF THE 

VESSEL IN WHICH HE SERVED. 



THE ROLL OF HONOR WILL BE A 

MOST BRLLIANT ADDITION TO AMERICAN LITERATURE. 



TO BE PUBLISHED IN MONTHLY NTJMBEES, 

EACH NUMBER COMPLETE IN ITSELF, AND ELEGANTLY ILLUSTRATED 

WITH ORIGINAL ENGRAVINGS EXECUTED IN THE HIGHEST 

STYLE OP ART. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

PUBLISHED BY 

BARCLAY & CO., No. 56 NORTH SIXTH STREET. 






Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1863, hy 

BARCLAY & CO., 
In the Clerk's Office of the Eastern District' of Pennsylvania. 



2/, 2. 2. ^ 



THE VOLUNTEERS' 



KOLL OF HONOR. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Scarcely- had the present war declared itself witliin our once 
peaceful and happy borders, when histories thereof began to issue in 
instalments from various presses throughout the whole country. 
Ant the smoke of the first battle or two had no more than lifted ere 
there were offered for our perusal biographies, and narratives of 
capture and imprisonment, most generally of persons of rank, wealth, 
or distinction. These periodical histories, and biographies, and nar- 
ratives, have been added one to another, until at last the reading 
community has become so sated with them that they heartily wish 
for some fresh viand. 

There is but one theme which will satisfy this desire, and that is 
the glorious and noble deeds performed in their country's behalf, 
both on land and sea, by our gallant, our invincible volunteers. 
Thus far these deeds have been allowed to sink into forgetfulness for 
the lack of some one to collect and preserve them. To have them 
placed upon a lasting record would be not only deeply gratifpng to 
the volunteers themselves, but equally so to those near and dear 
ones at home who watch so eagerly the contests of our brave Army 
and Navy. 

It is, therefore, with the liveliest feelings of pleasure that I have 
devoted myself to the task of gathering together and arranging these 

(21) 



A PEABFUL CHASK. 



valiant and praiseworthy actions. They are gems far too valuable 
to be thrown carelessly aside, or left out of history's casket, and far 
too brilliant not to mingle their light with that of other deeds and 
traits by which our nation has attained *so much renown. 



A FEARFUL CHASE. 

The services of the late and lamented General 0. M. Mitchell, the 
astronomer, are yet fresh in the minds of the nation. During his 
short but splendid career, he succeeded in placing his name among 
the highest of his fellow commanders, and made for himself a fame 
as enduring as it was brilliant. 

The glorious infection of his indomitable energy and enterprise, 
spread itself throughout his whole command, from the highest of&cer 
to the humblest private, as the following will prove. 

A Kentuckian, by the name of J. J. Andrews, during the latter 
end of March, 1862, suggested to General Mitchell an expedition 
into Georgia, for the purpose of destroying the Georgia and Atlanta 
State Railroad. The General instantly perceived what a stupendous 
disaster such an enterprise, successfully executed, must prove to the 
rebels, and, upon hearing Andrews' plan, he at once approved it. 
The plan was this : — Andrews, with a body of picked men, was to 
make his way as far as he deemed sufficient into Georgia, travelling 
along the railroad we have mentioned. He was then to watch a 
favorable opportunity, capture a locomotive, and start back toward 
Mitchell again. He was to tear up the track, burn the bridges, and 
cut the telegraph along the route beyond Chattanooga, on as far as 
Bridgeport, Tennessee, and then, continuing on, he was to rejoin 
Mitchell at Huntsville, Alabama. This latter portion of the road 
was laid through a region of country abounding in streams, rivers, 
and ravines, and consequently an amount of damage could be in- 
flicted iu a single day, that would cost months of toil to repair. It 



A FEARFUL CHASE. 23 

was indeed a magnificent undertaking, and had it been fully success- 
ful, Beauregard and his entire force would have been captured, and 
the whole region of the Southwest been rescued from the grasp of 
the " Confederacy." The names of Andrews' comrades in this gal- 
lant exploit, we obtained personally from Corporal, now Lieutenant 
Pitteno-er, of the Second Ohio Volunteers, and are as follows : 
J. J. Andrews, of Kentucky, Leader of the party. 
William Campbell, " 

William Knight, Company E, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteers. 
Mark Wood, " C, " 

Alfred Wilsok, " " " " 

Wilson H. Brown, " F, " " 

John R. Porter, " G, " " 

William Bensinger, " " " '* 

Robert Buffum, " H, " " 

John Scott, " F, " " 

Sergt. E. A. Mason, " K, 
Martin J. Hawkins, " A, Thirty-third " 
Corp'l Wm. Reddick, " B, " 

John Whollan, " C, " " 

Samuel Slavens, " D, " " 

Samuel Roberson, " G, " "■ 

Jacob Parrott, " K, " " 

Corp. Wm. PiTTENGER, " G, Second "■ 

Serg't-Major M. Ross, " A, 

George D. Wilson, " B, " " 

Perry D. Shadrack, " K, " 

It was on the 7th of April, 1862, that these brave men left their 
camp at Shelbyville, Tennessee, and set out for Manchester, in the 
same State. They were obliged to leave secretly, and several of 
them barely escaped being shot by their own pickets. At Manches- 
ter, they told the rebels, with whom they fell in, that they were 
Kentuckians, and were then on their way to join the rebel army at 
Chattanooga. A Colonel Harris, who owned a large farm just 
beyond the town, showed our heroes every kindness and attention, 
lodging them in his own house over night, and conveying four of 
their number in his own carriage, to the Cumberland mountains the 
next morning. He also furnished them with passes to Chattanooga, 
and letters to friends in the same place. 

Here the daring adventurers divided into squads of two and four, 
the more readily to disarm suspicion, and in this way all managed 
to reach Chattanooga. Two of them had already come in and left for 



34 A FEARFUL CEL^SE. 

Marietta, Georgia, to whicli town they all took passage. Before set- 
ting out now, Andrews warned them that, as the expedition really 
began here, every man must be wary. He threatened, also, to shoot 
the first one who flinched from the full performance of his duty, or 
became intoxicated ; and, as he was a man of the utmost resolution 
and determination, he would have kept his word had it become 
necessary. Seven hundred dollars in Confederate money being then 
distributed among the party, they set forth on their final adventure, 
final, alas 1 to many of them. 

Marietta, their last rendezvous, was reached without accident, and, 
keeping well together, they awaited with no little anxiety the oppor- 
tunity for which they were seeking. This soon presented itself in a 
train that came rushing into town at dawn of the next day. Our 
devoted twenty -two took passage aboard for Big Shanty, a sort of 
refreshment saloon, ten miles away, on the Georgia and Atlanta 
State Road. The majority of them were engineers, and conse- 
quently knew exactly what they were about ; while Andrews, their 
leader, having been engaged on the identical road several years 
before, had thus an additional knowledge which was invaluable. In 
due time, Big Shanty was reached, where it was determined to put 
their plan into execution. 

The train had stopped, and the hands, as well as the passengers, 
left it for a few minutes to obtain some refreshment. 

In an instant our heroes leaped aboard the first three cars, 
Andrews stationing himself on the rear platform of the third car, 
ready to pull out the coupling pin, while another sprang to the lever 
of the locomotive. A momentary pause ensued, and then, as he 
plucked the pin from its socket, Andrews gave the signal. The 
next moment the iron horse, obeying the rein as readily for a Union 
master as a Secessionist, trembled, puffed, groaned, and started on its 
race, slowly at first, and then faster, faster, faster still ! 

Our adventurers were fairly off^, although not two minutes before 
each one of them was within reach of the guards. On they sped 
until they reached the first curve, when halting, John Scott, of Com- 
pany F, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteers, climbed a telegraph pole, and 
cut the wires, to prevent any intelligence of their coming from pre- 
ceding them. They were quickly under way again, and made good 
speed to the next town, after passing which, they tore up a portion 
of the track, and again cut the telegraph wires. This they repeated 
every time they passed through a town or village. 

One unfortunate circumstance, however, operated against them, 
and that was, that the train they had seized was running on a very 



A PEAKPUL CHA8E. 25 

short schedule, or time-table, and had to be switched off several 
times to await the passage of down trains. At the first station 
where this occurred, an engineer was about to step aboard for the 
purpose of taking charge, but was prevented by Andrews, who told 
him that this was an extra train being run "through to Corinth, and 
that he was engaged to take it there. In support of this assertion, 
an iron safe, which chanced to be in one of the cars, and which con- 
tained a large sum of Confederate money, was exhibited to the rebel 
engineer, who was thereupon satisfied, and assisted our friends to 
wood and water. 

At the next station, another delay was occasioned by the passage 
of another down train. Andrews, who, as we have said, was well 
acquainted with the road, entered the office here, and boldly took 
the switch keys, giving as a reason that he was on special service, 
carrying gunpowder to Beauregard, at Corinth. 

Twenty miles south of Dalton, Georgia, our adventurers came to 
the first bridge, upon which they left one of their cars, on which, 
piling a quantity of wood, they fired it. And here was their second 
misfortune. Had they succeeded in destroying this, bridge, they 
would have been free from interruption until they again joined 
General Mitchell, and would have been completely successful in 
their undertaking. Some time before this, however, the engineer on 
the Eome branch, having a suspicion that something was wrong, 
started up the track, and, of course, soon found evidences in the torn- 
up rails, and dissevered telegraph wires, of the character of our 
daring fugitives. Hastening back, he procured a powerful engine, 
and started in hot pursuit. On his way up he met an express train, 
for which Andrews and his party had been obliged to switch off. 
All these delays were fatal to the success of the original plan, and, 
to show how close was the pursuit, before the burning car, intended 
for the destruction of the first bridge, was more than half consumed, 
the rebel engineer struck it, pushed it off the bridge, and then threw 
it from the track. 

And now commenced the terrific race. The wood, water, and oil, 
aboard the fugitive train were well nigh exhausted ; but, determined 
not to give up until all hope was past, our noble fellows put their 
engine to her utmost speed, and, quivering in all her iron sinews, 
she rushed along at the rate of seventy miles an hour ! What a fearful 
velocity 'this is, may be imagined when it is known that the fiercest 
hurricane moves not faster than sixty-five miles an hour, 

"With equal determination, however, the rebel pursuers strained all 
the powers of their locomotive, and the unconscious animal of iron 



26 A FEARFUL CHASE, 

shot .ilong at the same awful speed as the one in front. Onward, 
onward, still onward, like one lightning flash pursuing another, thun- 
dered the two engines, one leaping into a tunnel or deep cut as the 
other left it. The last stick of wood was thrown into the furnace, 
the last drop of water was fed into the boiler, and the few remaining 
globules of oil were carefully applied to the most necessary parts of 
the machinery, and now, then, God speed the flying heroes! Two 
minutes, and they rush up to a bridge, they shut off steam, leap on 
the latter, and fall to with axes and combustibles. A match ! a 
minute ! a breath ! and they are safe. But the other locomotive ap- 
proaches, and they must be off once more. Another headlong dash, 
and the trees and fences, and green fields, and bridges, and streams, 
and cattle, and sky, and the very air itself, seemed to churn into one 
writhbig, rushing, agonized mass. Now the engine began to rock, 
and a peculiar odor was perceptible. The lack of oil and the tremen- 
dous friction, had caused the brazen journal-caps to melt into drops, 
like ice touched with a red hot iron; but still the faithful engine 
staggered swiftly along. 

At this juncture, Andrews, perceiving that further effort was un- 
avaling, ordered the engine to be slackened. This being done, the 
lever was reversed, and, as the fast failing locomotive dashed back 
to meet its pursuers, our fugitives leaped to the ground, aud separat- 
ing into ones and twos, plunged into the forests' on either side of the 
road, in hopes of thus escaping. 

But the rebels were equally on the alert, and, stopping their own 
engine in time to avert a collision, took up the chase on foot. Some 
of our heroes were immediately made prisoners, while the rest, after 
■wandering through the country, with various fortunes and adventures, 
were all finally captured. 

Jacob Paerott, Company K, Thirty-third Ohio Volunteers, when 
taken, was most brutally used. Being stripped, he was bent down 
over a large stone, and, while a Confederate officer held two loaded 
pistols a,t his head, to blow out his brains if he flinched, he received 
over a hundred lashes with a raw-hide upon his bare back. The 
heroic boy, for he was only eighteen, never moved, and steadily 
refused to give any information whatever to his tormentors. This 
Spartan conduct becomes more distinguished when we state that 
Parrott was entirely destitute of education, having from early years 
been obliged to support himself, he being an orphan. • 

The whole party, twenty-two in number, were subsequently carried 
to Chattanooga, where they were thrust into a room in the negro jail, 
thirteen feet square, and half under ground. The only entrance to this 



A FEARFUL CHASE. 2T 

horrid, suffocating dungeon was by a trap-door, whicli was only raised 
twice a day for the purpose of lowering to the captives their scanty 
supply of miserable fare. While here, Andrews was tried and con- 
demned as a spy, and was executed on the 7th of June following, at 
Atlanta, Georgia. 

When first placed in their dismal cell in Chattanooga, all our 
heroes were strong and in good health; but at the end of three weeks, 
when they were being marched to the cars for Madison, Georgia, 
scarcely one of them could walk. 

Twelve of their number were tried and condemned, as had been 
Andrews, for being spies, which arbitrary and unjust action was alto- 
gether in opposition to military law. Seven of these unfortunate men 
were executed at Atlanta, Georgia, on June 18th, 1862. One of 
them, SA.MUEL Eoberson, Company G, Thirty -third Ohio Volunteers, 
was so ill at the time as to be unable to even sit up. In fact he ivas 
dying. Disregarding this, however, his brutal executioners dragged 
him forth, and, throwing him on the bottom of the cart in which his 
fated companions were seated, they hurried both him and them to the 
place of execution. 

George D. Wilson, Company C, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteers, 
undismayed by his scowling foes, made a manly and noble speech 
while on the scaffold. His last words were spoken in behalf of that 
flag and country for which he was offering up his life. 

Two of the victims of this official murder broke the ropes by which 
they were suspended, and begged, on being restored to consciousness, 
that an hour might be granted them in which they might pray and 
make their peace with Heaven ; but this was refused, the ropes were 
readjifsted about their necks, and they were hurried into eternity. 

There now remained of the original party only fourteen, who were 
all kept closely confined, under a special guard, at Atlanta Jail, until 
October. About this time, learning that they were also to be hung, 
they resolved to escape. A plan was quickly matured, and when at 
evening the jailer appeared with their meagre rations, he was sud- 
denly seized, as were also seven of the guard, and, ere the alarm was 
given, eight of the prisoners were beyond pursuit. Six of these 
reached the Union lines, while two have never been heard of since. 
Those who were compelled to stay behind, or rather who were recap- 
tured ere their flight fairly began, viz : 

Sergt. B. A. Mason, Company K, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteers. 

Corp. Wm. Pittenger, " G, Second " " 

Corp. Wm. Reddick, " B, Thirty-third " . " 

Eobert Buffun, " H, Twenty-first " 



r 



29 ' SAVING THE FLAG. 

"Wm. Bensinger, Company G, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteers. 
Jacob Parrott, " K, Thirty-third " 

were confined in the barracks until December, when they were re- 
moved to Richmond, and shut up in a room of Castle Thunder. 

Throughout the inclement winter season they were kept without 
fire, thinly clad, and with only two small blankets to cover the 
whole six. Last March, these heroic soldiers were exchanged, and, 
we are happy to add, received a flattering reward for their devotion 
to the Union. 

A gold medal, one hundred dollars in cash, and what was more 
highly gratifying than either, a brevet of First Lieutenant, were pre- 
sented to each one of them. Their health, however, is much broken 
by their exposure and hardships, and Corporal William Pittenger, 
of Company G, Second Ohio "Volunteers, and from whom we re- 
ceived the above narrative, looks as though he would never again be 
fit for service. 



SAVING THE FLAG. 



ADJUTANT JAMES J. HEART, SIXTH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS. 



Among the most noted regiments that enlisted in the holy cause of 
the Union was that of Colonel "Wilson, of New York, and its Tnateriel 
was, at the time of volunteering, made the object of some of the un- 
kindest slurs and criticisms. Whether or not any of this criticism 
was true or deserved, it is out of our power to decide ; but of one fact 
we feel fully assured, that a braver regiment never took the field than 
the Sixth New York Volunteers. 

Upon being recruited in the Metropolis, the Sixth was sent round 
by sea to Santa Rosa Island, on which is built the celebrated Fort 
Pickens. Here they were encamped as part of a force, which, besides 
preventing the rebels from making a lodgment on the island, was to 
be used in offensive movements on the mainland. 

With that promptness which has all along characterized the opera- 
tions of the insurgents, an overwhelming body of Confederate troops 
was landed secretly, and made a sudden attack upon the Union camps. 

As a consequence, they were at first successful, driving the Zouaves 
from their camps in considerable disorder. In the midst of the ter- 
rible excitement — for, at the time of which we speak, soldiers had 
but little of the discipline which they now exhibit — some one shouted 
out: 



SAVING THE PLAO. 29 

r 

" Our colors, boys ! our colors ! They're in the Colonel's quarters 
and '11 be taken 1" 

These words fell upon the ears of James J, Heary, Adjutant of the 
regiment. The thrill which the exclamation sent through the frame 
of this gallant soldier, caused him instantly to halt. The flag which 
he and his fleeing comrades had sworn to protect when given into 
their hands by the fair ladies of New York — should it be allowed to 
fall into the foeman's hands without at least one life devoted to its 
rescue ? 

" No ! never ! " he exclaimed, and with a swelling heart, he drew 
his sword and rushed back to Colonel Wilson's tent, where the sacred 
banner was deposited. 

The steady rushing forward of the enemy's feet fell upon his ears, 
together with their wild shouts of triumph, and the volleys of their 
musketry, as, at a double quick, they surrounded the tent in which 
he was. 

For a moment his perilous position nonplussed him ; but only for 
a moment, for, deciding instantly upon a bold course, he grasped his 
sword more tightly in his right hand, and, taking the flag in his left, 
he bounded from the tent. 

Scarcely had he crossed the threshold when a hundred rebels 
rushed toward him with the intention of effecting his capture. But 
this was not so easy a matter as they had judged, for, ere they could 
secure the prize, the gallant fellow hewed his way through them with 
his trusty blade, and then sped swiftly away to rejoin his comrades. 

Seeing that the intrepid soldier would escape, the rebels started 
after him at full speed, firing their pieces as they ran. But their 
efforts were in vain, and with the fleetness of a deer, Heary gained a 
swamp, into whose friendly concealment he plunged, still bearing the 
flag for which, he had thus risked his life. 

His pursuers immediately gave up the chase, and the brave Adju- 
tant, cautiously extricating himself from the morass, shortly afterward 
came up with his regiment, all of whom had given him up for killed 
or captured. 

Their surprise was only equaled by their delight at seeing again 
the beautiful emblem of their country, delivered to the " color guard," 
eacji of whom solemnly vowed never again to allow it to fall into the 
hands of the foe, except with their lives. 



80 A NOBLE REGIMENT. 



A NOBLE REaiMENT. 



THE TWENTY-SECOND IOWA VOLUNTEERS. 



Of all tlie assaults which have yet been made upon any strong- 
hold in the rebellious States, none has equaled or even approached 
that which was made upon Yicksburg, by General Grant, and his 
splendid legions. 

From the first moment that the contest opened, each corps, each 
division, each brigade, and each regiment of the Union host, vied 
with one another in bravery and daring, and, so evenly was this 
emulation preserved, that there was scarcely an opportunity for any 
one part to distinguish itself beyond another. But at last one regi- 
ment succeeded in eclipsing its companions, by one of the most un- 
paralleled deeds that has ever been recorded in history. 

This regiment, the immortal Twenty-second Iowa Volun- 
teers, was attached to General Carr's Division. Just after General 
Grant's grand assault had commenced, this division, headed by the 
Twenty-second, charged an important point in the enemy's line, on 
the left of the Jackson Railroad. 

Steadily the column of heroes pressed forward, and they were 
beginning to think of an easy achievement, until they got to within 
a few rods of the embankment, when, with a fearful yell of defiance, 
a dark mass of rebel riflemen leaped up from their concealment 
behind the earthen wall, and poured a tempest of balls into the ad- 
vancing troops. 

For an instant all was confasion, and this division, trembling like 
a strong ship in a storm, seemed ready to break and retreat in panic. 
But its gallant officers sprang forward, each with his cheering shout, 
and immediately changed irresolution into valor. 

"Steady in the centre 1 Steady on the right! Steady on the 
left ! Forward, double quick, march !" 

And again the serried ranks plunged onward, and onward, but 
only to meet the same steady, withering breath of flame, that seared 
them like leaves in a burning forest. , 

It was impossible to face such a tornado of death, and the whole 
column, with the exception of the Twenty-second Iowa, fell back. 

Though continually foremost in the fight, their gallant leader. 
Colonel William M. Stone, still lived, and seeing that the retreat 
was commencing, he determined to make one last, desperate effort. 



A NOBLE REGIMENT. 39 

knowing full well that where he went his regiment would follow. 
Raising himself in his stirrups, therefore, and waving his sword, he 
shouted, in tones that rose above the din of battle : 

" Forward the Twenty-second !" and, plunging the rowels deep into 
his horse's sides, he galloped straight toward the fearful embank- 
ment. 

" Forward the Twenty-second !" 

Like an electric shock, these words quivered through the regiment, 
and forward they went with the fierceness of an avalanche. 

Again, however, that steady rain of death meets them, and 
stretches all but five hundred on the earth. 

"The Colonel's down!" and, as the words go from mouth to 
mouth, the five hundred pause, 

" Forward the Twenty-second !" 

Ha ! that trumpet blast still tells of the Colonel's safety, and 
forward plunges the four hundred, for two double charges of grape 
have just swept a hundred from the ranks. 

Now the devoted little band is pressing over the last slight swell 
of ground that intervenes between it and the fortifications. 

Fifty feet, forty feet, twenty feet, and three hundred reach the 
ditch of the fortification. Down into it they leap, and climb out 
with loud shouts, to make the last and most fearful charge up the 
embankment, which is twenty feet high, and' almost perpendicular. 
They now number but two hundred, but these two hundred still 
follow their yet unharmed Colonel, and the glorious, tattered flag 
that they are endeavoring to plant on the ramparts above. 

" Forward the Twenty -second !" 

Another effort, as those clear, ringing words, fall upon their ears, 
and the remnant of the regiment reach their goal, and place their 
standard on the topmost crest of the foe's works. Fiercely they are 
met by the rebels, who, with gnashing teeth, strive to push them 
back at the bayonet's point into the ditch with their dead comrades. 
But they hold their position, and the enemy falls back. 

They would cheer now, but their poor throats are dry and full of 
dust, and the rebels are sending a fresh column to capture them. 

They gaze back over their track, hoping to see help coming, but 
in vain. 

" Reinforcements ! Reinforcements for the Twenty-second !" cries 
Colonel Stone^ in agony, as though his voice could, reach the ears of 
Grant, or Carr, through the dense battle-clouds that roll over the 
hills behind. 

" Reinforcements ! More men, and we'll carry the place yet !'' he 
2 



40 "CALIFORNIA JOE." 

exclaims, as his quick eje catches sight of the falling shells that 
Porter is throwing into the city. 

But it is all, all in vain. There is no succor for the devoted 
band ; they must fight on and die, or surrender. The foe opens on 
them again, and Colonel Stone at last falls, close at the foot of his 
proud flag. 

Instantly, what was left of the Twenty-second, closed about their 
leader and their banner, in squares to meet the charge of the enemy. 

A crash, a prolonged, surging struggle, a thrusting and parrying 
of bayonets, and the gallant Twenty-second Iowa Volunteers are 
overpowered and crushed to earth. 

The rebels carried back with them into the city, fifteen privates and 
one officer, who wounded and exhausted, were all that were left of the 
most splendid regiment in the service! All honor to the gallant 
Twenty-second Iowa Volunteers, now living only in the memories 
and hearts of its millions of admirers I 



"CALIFOENIA JOE." 



TRUMAN HEAD, COMPANY B, BERDAN'S SHARPSHOOTERS. 



We presume there is no one who has not heard of " California 
Joe," the most celebrated marksman of Berdan's Sharpshooters. It 
must be remembered that this picked regiment is composed only of 
the expertest riflemen in the land, and the proficiency of the subject 
of this sketch may be imagined when we state that he is the best in 
the regiment. 

During last summer, we had the pleasure of taking Mr. Head by 
the hand, and we well remember our surprise on seeing him. We 
had expected to look upon a tall, brawny mountaineer, in the prime 
of life, with a piercing, eagle eye, rough, shaggy beard, and a deep, 
ringing voice. Instead, we found a little, thin man, of between fifty 
and sixty, with long, black, silken hair, curling in rich profusion 
about a pair of shoulders, whose stoop showed the decline of life. 
His face beamed with intelligence and humanity, and his voice was 
soft and gentle as a woman's, when detailing how he found it neces- 
sary, in the performance of his terrible duty, to " pick off' some rebel 
ofiicer or gunner. 

For some days previous to the final contest at Yorktown, General 
McClellan had watched, vnth much anxiety, an enormous rifled 



"CALIFORNIA JOE." 41 

cannon being placed in sucli a position by tbe enemy as to sweep 
away any force that could be brought against it. Satisfying him- 
self that he could bring no piece to bear upon it which was suffi- 
ciently heavy, he sent orders to Colonel Berdan, to detail a squad 
of his most expert riflemen, to pick off any of the enemy who should 
attempt to work the rtionster instrument of death. That officer im- 
mediately sent for " California Joe," and three others, to whom he 
made known the task before them, and gave them the privilege of 
declining, if they were afraid, for a marksman becomes utterly useless 
if not entirely devoid of fear. All four, however, true and tried 
men as they were, were only too glad of the honor thus conferred 
upon them, and signified their readiness to move to the " front" at 
any moment. 

That night, near twelve o'clock, the devoted four, led by ''Joe,"; 
and well supplied with provisions and ammunition, took their de- 
parture from camp, and marched over toward the enemy's bristling 
batteries. At about nine hundred yards from the latter they halted, 
and, with the utmost caution and silence, dug four rifle-pits, each one 
some forty or fifty yards from the others. In these they lay 
quiet until after daylight, when, at an early hour, the dull booming 
of a gun, some distance to the left, told them that the strife was 
about to commence. 

Our hero was instantly on the qui five, and raising his powerful 
telescope to his eye, he narrowly scanned the vicinity in which was 
the gun, over which he and his companions were to keep a surveil- 
lance. As he did so, he caught sight of a rebel cannonier, cautiously 
advancing with a swab-rammer to clean out the piece, prepara- 
tory to its being loaded. Fearful of our sharpshooters, the cannonier 
had divested himself of everything that might serve as a mark, with 
the exception of the brass ornament upon the front of his cap. This 
was a fatal want of foresight, for the next instant " Joe" had his 
deadly rifle leveled directly at the ornament, and was about to pull, 
when a second thought struck him. Still keeping a "bead drawn on 
the doomed man," he allowed him to creep forward, raise the ram- 
mer, push it into the gun, and then, as he was about to withdraw it, 
the marksman touched his trigger, and the first victim of Yorktown 
fell, pierced directly through the brain. 

Of course the swab-rammer remained in the piece, and rendered 
the latter useless until it could be withdrawn. With a determina- 
tion and valor worthy of a better cause, man after man stepped 
forward to make the attempt, but without avail, for a ball from Joe's 
rifle, or one of his companions', sealed the rash act with death. 



42 A DARING SCOUT. 

"Oh, sir," said "Joe," while narrating the circumstance, "my 
heart grew sick of such work. Toward the latter part of the battle, 
my three companions were killed by rebel sharpshooters, and I, 
alone, was left to continue the work of death. I had kept by me a 
little pine stick, on which I cut a notch each time I fired. This 
stick 1 filled, and cast it away after counting Jifty-mne notches." 

"But, perhaps," suggested we, "your ball did not strike its object 
each time. 

"1 never miss, sir,'''' was the reply, uttered in tones of pity and 
sorrow, rather than pride or exultation. 

" Since morning," continued the speaker after a pause, " I had 
taken no refreshment, and, beginning to feel the want of it, I was 
obliged to cease firing. While eating, I cast occasional glances over 
at the big gun, which the rebels had managed, little by little, to load 
since the death of my companions. Suddenly I saw a soldier grasp 
the lanyard,- and in an instant, dropping my cracker and morsel of 
meat, I instantly leveled my rifle at him and pulled. He fell, but, as 
he went down, he jerked the lanyard. The next instant a terrific 
explosion took place, and the enormous cannon, torn into frag- 
ments by the concussion, went flying high in air. 

" My task was over, and as the shades of night began to fall, I 
made my way back to our lines, thankful that my life had been 
spared me." 



A DAEING SCOUT. 



ROBERT TOBIN, COMPANY A, FIFTH OHIO VOLUNTEERS. 



Immediately subsequent to the departure of General George B. 
McClellan, to take command of the Army of the Potomac, his com- 
panion in arms. General Rosecrans, assumed command in Western 
Virginia, or, speaking with more military precision, in the " Depart- 
ment of the Ohio." 

It must still be fresh in the memory of the reader, with what 
caution and discretion the military arm of the Government had to be 
brought into use in the beginning of the present rebellion, and, con- 
sequently, what a terrible advantage the insurgents possessed. The 
position of the loyal portion of the Union, might aptly be compared 
to that of one of the olden Knights ; gigantic in size, but destitute of 
sword, shield, or helmet, and set upon by an antagonist of only half 



A DARING SCOUT, 43 

his size, but armed cap-d-pie. Naught save the extremest caution, 
and the discreetest use of his strength, could assure the victory to 
the former. 

General Rosecrans, previous to starting from Grafton, to go to 
Parkersburg, made preparations for pushing matters rapidly and sys- 
tematically in his department. On his front was the rebel General 
Wise, with a force, estimates of whose numbers were exceedingly 
various and conflicting. 

At Parkersburg, on the Ohio river, from which point General 
Rosecrans intended to start on his expedition, the Fifth Ohio Volun- 
teers were already stationed, under the command of their gallant 
Colonel, Dunning. 

Since the Union disaster at Bull Run, General Wise had been 
bolder than usual in the Kanawha Yalley, and it was thought that 
he intended some grand movement, of which, however, experience 
has since shown the blustering ex-Governor to have been perfectly 
innocent. 

About the time of which we speak, a rebel deserter came into the 
Federal lines, and signified his willingness to take the oath of alle- 
giance. To Colonel Dunning he imparted some secret information, 
which, if it was correct, would be of the greatest value to the Union 
commander, but which, on the other hand, if false, would lead to a 
heavy reverse. 

In order, therefore, to make sure of the reliability of the deserter's 
statements, Colonel Dunning determined to dispatch a trusty scout, 
to ascertain, if possible, what weight might be attached to it. 

There was only one man in his regiment whom his mind fixed on 
as the most fitting one for the hazardous errand, and he forthwith 
sent for him. 

Colonel Dunning explained to Tobin what he wished him to at- 
tempt, and asked him if he thought he could accomplish it. It was 
to ascertain whether the rebels had massed large supplies at or near 
Charlestown, with the intention of making a forward movement 
across the Ohio. 

" I don't know, Colonel," replied Tobin, on hearing the proposi- 
tion, " whether I can do what you say yoa want done ; but I can try, 
and I'm ready to start any time." 

" Very well, Robert," was the Colonel's reply, "come up to my 
quarters at eleven o'clock to-night, and I will give you your final 
instructions." 

At the appointed hour, our hero was promptly on hand, received 
his orders, and set oflf upon his perilous journey. 



44 A DAEING SCOUT. 

After making several very narrow escapes, he finally arrived 
safely at the town of Charlestown. From this point, however, we 
shall give his narrative exactly as he related it to his Colonel, while 
lying severely wounded in the hospital. 

"As soon as I got into the place, I was asked to join the rebel 
army. I said yes, of course I would, but I wanted to settle some of 
iny affairs before I enlisted. Then I came it over the foolish fellows 
so nicely, that they insisted on treating me, until I had to refuse 
flatly to drink any more, for fear I'd get intoxicated, and make a 
jack of myself. , 

" While there, I put on three or four disguises, aM told three or 
four different stories, all the time picking up all I could hear -and 
see. Two days were sufficient to lay the place open to me, and I 
found that General Wise was piling up a large quantity of commis- 
sary and other stores. I thought this was about all you'd want to 
know, so I got ready to make my way back. 

" I didn't much like to leave the old town, however, without try- 
ing to do something for the reb's ; so, obtaining entrance into the 
biggest warehouse there, I slily dropped some fire balls,* in conve- 
nient spots, near oils and drugs, and things that would kindle easy. 

" About eight o'clock, in the evening, there was an alarm of fire, 
and I, with all of the rest of the astonished inhabitants, and soldiers, 
hurried out to see the building burned down with all it contained. 
Everybody thought it was an accident, and expressed great sorrow 
at the occurrence, as it would stop some fine military movements 
that were about being made. 

*' My work being done so far, I started out of the town, but was 
challenged just as I thought I was clear. I didn't stop, however, 
but put spurs to my nag, and got a bullet in my back. That didn't 
stop me either, as you see for yourself. Colonel, but I had a hard 
time of it getting here, I tell you !" 

This gallant act, performed thus fully, without doubt prevented 
a forward movement of the rebel army in the Kanawha Yalley ; and 
this, at least, saved hundreds of lives. For the next day our own 
forces were promptly put in motion, and by a little strategy, com- 
pelled the fiery General Wise to beat a precipitate retreat. Whether 
Tobin, the scout, who rendered this great service to the Union cause, 
ever received any reward therefor, we have not learned ; but that he 
should, cannot be questioned. 

* An incendiary composition, which, after lying a certain time, spontaneously 
ignites, by reason of the chemical action of the materials of which it is composed. 



ONE SURROUNDING SIX. 4$ 



ONE SURROUNDING SIX. 



JOHN Mccarty, company b, ninety-fipth Pennsylvania volunteees. 



Early on the morning on wliicli the memorable Seven Days' Bat- 
tle opened, during the Peninsular campaign, a portion of the Ninety- 
fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was ordered to take possession of a 
certain point, to reach which they were obliged to pass through a 
swamp. Promptly the detachment moved away on its errand, and 
plunged into the unexplored morass without the least hesitation. 
As they entered the marsh, they were descried by a Confederate 
officer, who, shrewdly guessing their intentions, despatched a full 
regiment to drive them back when they should attempt to come 
out of the swamp. 

Entirely unsuspecting that they had attracted the attention of the 
enemy, our heroes waded through the slush and mud for more than 
a mile before attempting to land. Selecting a spot now, however, 
that seemed most to promise their freedom from discovery, the party 
turned their steps toward terra firma. Success thus far attended 
them, and Fortune smiled upon them. But, just as they supposec" 
that they were about to accomplish the object for which they had 
come, their foes, rising suddenly from their concealment, poured 
upon the devoted band a storm of bullets. 

Although thus surprised, the brave fellows of the Ninety-fifth 
quickly closed their decimated ranks and charged their antagonists. 
The fight was short and sharp, but proved in favor of the Pennsyl- 
vania boys, who, as soon as the foe began to waver before their bay- 
onets, pressed them so closely that at last they retreated, fiercely 
pursued by the Ninety-fifth. 

As they passed through a piece of woodland, six of their number 
filed off into a thicket, and hid themselves therein, so as to watch for 
any stragglers of the Zouaves, whom they intended to "gobble 
up." It was not long before they saw their first victim, John 
McCarty, Company B, Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, com- 
ing, limping at a half double quick, up the road. Allowing him to 
come so near that retreat would be impossible, these ambushed 
heroes sprang out from their concealment, ordered him to halt, and 
then demanded his surrender. McCarty surveyed the group for a 
moment in silence, and then, with a smile, advanced to the foremost 
of the rebels, extending his hand and exclaiming : 

" Arrah, Jemmy, an' is it yerself thot's thurned rebel, jest ?" 



46 ONE SURROUNDING SIX. 

As McCarty had brought his piece from a charge to a trail, the 
Confederates thought that he would surrender, especially as he 
seemed to know their leader. The latter, much surprised at finding 
himself thus addressed in so friendly a manner, and perhaps relying 
too much on the presence of five armed comrades, was thrown off his 
guard. Our hero, stepping briskly up to the rebel to whom he had 
spoken, and who was a sergeant, made a motion as though to give up 
his musket. But, quick as thought, he threw the piece upon the 
ground, and, whipping out a long, ugly-looking knife, seized the 
rebel, and exclaimed : 

" Surrinder ! or be jabbers I'll kill yees !" 

These words had no sooner been uttered than the astonished com- 
rades of the captured man clapped their muskets to their shoulders, 
and would have fired but for the reason that McCarty, by a quick 
jerk, placed his captive between them and himself. McCarty was a 
large, powerful man, and handled his prisoner, who was a small man, 
with such vigor as to cause the latter's musket to fly out of his 
hands, 

" Now, thin !" exclaimed the bold Irishman, giving his victim a 
terrible shake, and pressing his knife's point close to his heart, 
"ordher thim murtherin' spalpeens to fire ofi" their paces intil the air, 
an' be divilish quick about it now !" 

The rebel sergeant felt the keen point of McCarty's weapon press- 
ing upon his breast, and, in tones by no means firm, he gave the 
required order, and the five muskets of his men were discharged. 

"Now make 'em stack thim paces and march twinty paces this 
way," ordered McCarty, pushing his knife's point fairly into his pris 
oner's flesh. 

The requisite command was promptly given and obeyed, though 
rather slowly, the rebels scowling at both their sergeant and 
McCarty. 

Just as they passed the latter, he stooped quickly, took up his 
own loaded musket, and, pushing his prisoner toward his compan- 
ions, ordered the whole six to march, and threatened, with rather a 
round oath, to shoot the first man who disobeyed. 

"Without further accident, our hero reached camp, preceded 
by his unwilling captives, whom he delivered over to the proper 
officer. 

Upon being questioned as to the manner in which he had man- 
aged to take these six men, McCarty exclaimed : 

" Why, sure sir, I surrounded the spalpeens, then av coorse bag- 
ged them jest." 



A REAL HERO. 47 

A little more explanation was needed, bow one man could sur- 
round six, and when McCarty told his story in full, the officers who 
listened to him enjoyed a hearty laugh over his ideas of surround- 
ing. He was, however, immediately rewarded with the "stripes,'' 
and no newly-starred Major-General was ever more proud of his 
rank, than McCarty is of being called by his comrades, "Brave 
Sergeant McCarty. 



A REAL HERO. 



SERGEANT JOSEPH GRIFFITH, TWENTY-SECOND IOWA VOLUNTEERS. 



Since recording the account of the gallant action at Yicksburg, of 
the Twenty-second Iowa Regiment, which will be found on a prece- 
ding page, we have received the narrative of a magnificent act of 
bravery, performed by Sergeant Joseph Griffith, of the same regi- 
ment. At first sight, it would seem to clash somewhat with the 
previous story ; but a little consideration shows that, amidst the 
terrible confusion of the assault the present incident escaped notice 
at the moment, and that, instead of all the last fifteen, who were seen 
to sink at the fire of the enemy, being killed or taken prisoners, one 
of them escaped. And not only escaped, but actually captured 
thirteen of his foes, marched them over their own ramparts, and 
delivered them safely at the headquarters of his division, in the 
presence of Lieutenant Colonel Warmoth, of General McClernand's 
staff, who vouches for the truthfulness of the fact. 

The Twenty-second, as we have said elsewhere, headed a charge 
against the enemy's works, and pushed their way to the crest of the 
embankment, where, in planting their standard, they were all killed 
or wounded except fifteen. Among these fifteen was Sergeant Grif- 
fith. A deliberately aimed volley from the rebels brought the 
whole remnant of the heroic regiment to the earth. Griffith, how- 
ever, was struck by a ball, whose force was nearly destroyed by 
passing through a comrade, and consequently he was only stunned. 
By the time that his assailants had sprung forward to obtain the 
fallen standard and other trophies, he recovered, and, starting to his 
feet, -confronted them with his loaded musket, and a revolver, which 
was also charged. 

Their surprise, and the fact of their pieces being empty, coupled 
with Griffith's energetic assurance that he would shoot them in detail 



48 A BRAVE COLONEL, 

if they did not fortliwitli surrender, doubtless induced them to yield 
without parley, and their heroic captor, as we have said, marched 
them from off their own ramparts, all the way into the Union lines, 
where they were delivered up in the presence of the staff of&cer we 
have named. 

Surely, if there be a commission vacant in the Army of the Missis- 
sippi, it should be at once given to Sergeant Joseph Griffith, the 
gallant lowan. 



A BKAVE COLONEL. 



COLONEL J. mCHTER JONES, FIFTY-EIGHTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 



During the continuance of the war, so many stirring actions of 
minor importance have occurred, that it would seem impossible to 
select any one more striking than another; but the deed we are 
about to record is an exception. 

Very early in the morning of the Twenty-second of May last. 
Colonel Jones set out from Kingston, North Carolina, to destroy, 
if possible, a formidable work which had been erected by the rebels, 
on the margin of Grum Swamp, and from which it was their intention 
to operate against the command of Major-General Foster, The latter 
General, having every confidence in the ability and gallantry of 
Colonel Jones, placed under his command the following force : Fifth, 
Twenty -fifth, and Forty-sixth Massachusetts Eegiments of Infantry, 
three pieces of Bogg's battery, and a battalion of cavalry, 

Kapidly, but with caution, the little column marched toward the 
point to be carried, and, it must be acknowledged, with some mis- 
givings ; for the enemy's position was of such immense strength that 
nothing short of a heavy siege seemed capable of reducing it. But 
Colonel .Jones had matured a plan of operations as bold as they were 
successful, and, with a reticence which it would be well for some of 
OTir high-graded Generals to observe, he did not explain the plans to 
his brother officers until he had them on the field, and ready to pro- 
ceed in the execution thereof 

As we have said, the rebel fortification was most skillfully and 
substantially constructed. It was secured on three sides, by all the 
arts that military engineering could devise, while on the fourth, its 
defenders thought it amply defended by the still more secure work 
of Nature — Gum Swamp. 



A BRAVE COLONEL. '49 

But tliey Had not calculated on the indomitable character of at 
least one Union commander. 

Before reaching the picket line of the enemy, Colonel Jones ex- 
plained to the officers who accompanied him, that while he intended 
them, with their respective commands, to make a strong demonstra- 
tion on the front of the works, he, with the Twenty-seventh Massa- 
chusetts, and his own regiment, the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteers, intended to pierce the dreary recesses of the swamp, and 
attack in the rear. He had calculated to a nicety how long it would 
take him to get his command through the morass, and so ordered the 
attack in front that it would be simultaneous with his own. 

Instantly the brilliancy of the design struck Jones' companions in 
arms, and they entered upon the performance of their part with great 
enthusiasm. Colonel Pierson was assigned to command the attack. 

Colonel Jones immediately started, with the two regiments we 
have referred to, and was soon making his way through the murky 
fens, that had, most likely, never before been disturbed by a human 
foot. It was a terrible march through that dismal morass, but the 
troops were fired with the same spirit as their indomitable leader, 
and right gallantly did they push forward. 

Notwithstanding their utmost exertions, however, they were 
behind time, and, during the latter portion of their dreary march, 
the sullen roar of Pierson's cannon fell constantly on their ears. 

"Come on, boys, a little faster," cheered Jones to his men, "or 
we'll miss the fight." 

And faster did the men tramp through the oozy mud. They 
knew that the battle was raging, and they were anxious to come in 
to insure victory. At length the distant roar of Pierson's cannon 
ceased altogether, and Jones began to fear that there would be a 
miscarriage of his plan. But Colonel Pierson had proraised not to 
give way entirely until he heard from him, and he knew that if his 
gallant comrade still lived, that promise would be kept. 

Finally, firm ground was reached, and with fresh vigor, the little 
column, with Jones at its head, made off at almost a run for the rebel 
entrenchments. A position was gained, a piece unlimbered and 
charged, and then being sighted fairly at the unsuspecting Confede- 
rates, was discharged. The heavy roar of the gun had not fairly 
ceased vibrating, when, like the voice of one calling from a distance, 
came an answering boom from Pierson's cannon. He had heard 
Jones' thundering announcement of success, and he hastened to 
reply. 

A few rounds, each charge echoed by Pierson's battery, and then 



50 CAPTURING A HOWITZER. 

Colonel Jones ordered a bayonet charge straight on the works of the 
foe. 

With loudly ringing huzzas, the two representative regiments of 
Pennsylvania and Massachusetts valor, rushed like a whirlwind upon 
the entrenched foe. The latter broke and fled in wild disorder, and 
all who were not taken prisoners, made their escape into and through 
the adjoining swamp, by paths known only to themselves. 

The triumph was complete, and Colonel Jones, destroying every- 
thing of any value to the rebels, took up his march for the Union 
lines. He had no more than reached the outermost of these, how- 
ever, when he was fiercely attacked by the Confederates, who, rein- 
forced from Goldsborough, and burning with rage, that their tremen- 
dously strong position had been so completely and easily destroyed 
by the unparalleled strategy and bravery of Colonel Jones, were 
determined to kill or capture his whole, command. But the gallant 
Pennsylvanian was again master of the situation, and, posting his 
men, he repulsed the foe with great slaughter, until reinforced by 
General Foster. Then he took the offensive, and was leading the 
charge, when a bullet pierced his heart, and he fell dead into the 
arms of his Orderly, Michael Webber, who was devotedly attached to 
'his commander, and equally as brave. 

Colonel J. Richter Jones, like Marco Bozarris, died even as the 
exultant hurrah of his heroic soldiers told of the second victory he 
and they had won. 



CAPTURING A HOWITZER. 



LIEUT. WELLS, COMPANY I, FIFTY-EIGHTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 



We have become so accustomed to read of making a dash, cap- 
turing a gun, or flanking a regiment, that it has become almost un- 
interesting. But if the reader could behold the amount of horror 
and blood that crowds itself into one of these " little affairs," his 
ideas upon the matter would doubtless quickly change. 

The one we refer to occurred at the battle of Gum Swamp, 
North Carolina, where the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania played a con- 
spicuous part. 

For some time the enemy had considerably annoyed the advanc- 
ing column of Colonel Pierson, who attacked their -works in front, 
by a well-directed fire from a howitzer. This piece they turned 



A CAVALRY DUEL. 61 

upon Colonel Jones' command, as soon as they discovered the pre- 
sence of the latter, and its terrible volleys of lead and iron were as 
disagreeable to the Fifty -eighth, as it had been to Pierson's com- 
mand. Seeing that the capture of the cannon was a necessity, Col- 
onel Jones ordered a charge of one or two companies to effect the 
purpose. 

Company I led the v/ay, and Lieutenant Wells led the company. 
Swerving neither to right nor left to avoid the terrible missiles of 
death that hurtled and hissed around him, he charged at a double 
quick for the gun, not waiting to see whether his company was 
within supporting distance or not. 

Strange to say, he reached the piece unharmed, and, bounding 
upon it, he stood upon the howitzer, and cheered his men on to the 
charge. Of course he instantly became the object of a hundred rebel 
rifles, and as many bullets were sent vengefully at him, to strike him 
down from the bold position he had taken. But still his good 
fortune prevailed, and not a single ball struck him, while they did 
considerable execution among his men. 

Such daring bravery could not but be sucqessfal, and Lieutenant 
Wells took the howitzer, and brought it to Major-General Foster's 
Chief of Artillery, from whom he received due credit. It was 
indeed a gallant achievement, and shows that the sons of the old 
Keystone State nobly maintain her honor on every field in which 
they represent her. 



A CAVALRY DUEL. 



SERGEANT JOB CURRY, FIRST VERMONT VOLUNTEERS. 



On the thirtieth of last May, Mosby, the somewhat noted rebel caval- 
ry officer in Virginia, suddenly attacked a train of cars near Catlett's 
Station. He had with him two hundred men and a howitzer. He 
was successful in his object, breaking up the cars, and firing a shot 
completely through the locomotive, from his howitzer. The guard 
aboard, however, escaped, and quickly gave the alarm. 

In about fifteen minutes after the rebels had departed. General 
Stahl had a detachment of troops on the spot where the locomotive 
stood. ■ Finding that Mosby had fled, Colonel Mann, the indefatigable 
leader of the pursuit, started after the commissioned guerilla. 

He came up with them two miles from Greenwich, where they had 



52 A CAVALRY DUEL. 

taken a very strong position. Without delay, the Colonel charged 
them, and, after a short but spirited contest, drove them back. The 
howitzer of Mosby's command was under charge of a Captain 
Hastings, late of the British Army, who, though joined to the cause 
of the unholy rebellion, was nevertheless a very brave man. With 
a few men he stood determined at his post, and gave our pursuers 
much trouble. 

Burning with the desire to capture this annoying piece, the sub- 
ject of our sketch, Job Curry, charged forward, and was soon en- 
gaged hand to hand with the squad of Confederates, who had stuck 
by Captain Hastings. Had he not received support quickly, he 
would not have lived many minutes, but his comrades rushed after 
him, and diverted the attention of his foes. By some means or other, 
he and a mounted rebel became separated from the general melee, 
and engaged in a single-handed combat. 

Both were well mounted, both excellent horsemen, and both still 
retained their sabres. But, whereas the rebel cavalryman was still 
unharmed, our hero was painfully wounded through the left leg. 

For some minutes the contest continued, each endeavoring to 
avoid and inflict deadly strokes and thrusts with their long, heavy 
blades. At last Job perceived an advantage, and in an instant he 
plunged his weapon through the body of his opponent, who, as he 
sank down, made a final^thrust at his foeman, inflicting what at first 
seemed to be a small wound on the right side of the neck. 

Job had no sooner rid himself of his antagonist, before he wheeled 
his steed, determined to join in the conflict over the gun. But that 
was done and the piece taken. Riding back close to the captured 
howitzer, he stooped from his saddle, and patted it with the words : 

" You'll do some service for the Union, now." 

As he spoke, a torrent of blood gushed from his neck, and he fell 
upon the cannon. His comrades lifted him and laid him gently on 
the green sward, where he died in a few moments after. His wound 
had been inflicted so close to the carotid artery, that the exertion of 
bending from his horse had ruptured this great channel of life. As 
his feyes were closing in their final slumber, he extended his hand 
toward the rebel howitzer, and murmured some inarticulate words 
about " Country and Union." But he was too far gone to be under- 
stood, and, as his powerless arm sank into clay at his side, he fell into 
the lines of that shadowy King who recruits only for the other 
world. 



A PRODIQY OP VALOR. 63 



A PRODIGY OF YALOR. 



JOHN McMAKIN, COMPANY K, TWENTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



The wars of other nations have generally been carried on on such 
a small scale, when compared with the gigantic contest which 
agitates our own Republic, that battles and actions, which, in the 
former case, have challenged the intensest astonishment and admira- 
tion, scarcely receive more than a passing notice in the latter. 
Indeed, the valorous exploits performed by Richard the Lion Heart 
and his fellow Knights, that in our younger years we read with the 
belief that to excel them was impossible, have been duplicated over 
and over again, and even surpassed, during the American Rebellion. 

The incident we are about to record, occurred at the battle of 
Belmont, fought by General Grant, on the 6th of November, 1861. 
The General sought, by this movement, to prevent the enemy from 
reinforcing Price, who, it will be remembered, was at that time 
operating in Missouri, Grant had so ordered the motions of several 
other columns of troops as to completely deceive the rebels into the 
erronious belief that a powerful attack was about to be made upon 
Columbus, Kentucky. In this he was successful, and consequently 
won for his own little column all the advantages of a surprise. 

Early oh the morning of the 7th, landing just beyond range of 
the heavy guns of the rebel fortifications. Grant, after leaving a 
reserve of one battalion with his transports, hurried on toward the 
Confederate encampment, near Belmont. About two miles away 
they met him and began to contest his advance ; but it was all 
useless, and his gallant fellows drove their astonished foes before 
them with heavy slaughter, until, in wild disorderj they broke and 
fled, leaving their camp, with everything in it, in possession of the 
victors. 

Elated with their success, the Union troops became, to a great 
degree, unmanageable, scattering hither and thither in search of 
spoils or captives. While thus engaged, their foes, with the greatest 
promptitude, hurried forward heavy reinforcements, which were 
quietly marched across the country so as to completely cut them off 
from their transports, and thus insure their capture. 

The moment Grant learned the design of the enemy, he ordered 
the captured camp to be fired, in which way alone he was enabled 
to drive out his own men, and recall them to a sense of their peril. 



j64 a prodigy of valor. 

In justice to the brave fellows, however, we must mention that the 
instant they heard of their being cut off, they at once became orderly, 
and, forming in their respective positions, they prepared to cut their 
way back to their boats. 

They were quickly on the march, and soon encountered the rebels, 
who, thinking that the little band of heroes would become an easy 
prey, threw themselves upon them with wild shouts of enthusiasm. 
But they had mistaken their men, and, after a short contest, were 
driven back. Again and again they endeavored to accomplish their 
object, but only to fail continually. Yet this steady success on the 
part of the Federal troops was only bought at the expense of the 
most magnificent heroism ; and deeds of valor were crowded into the 
bloody drama, until distinction for any one individual became almost 
an impossibility. We think, however, that none will be wronged 
when we assign the first honor to the subject of this sketch, John 
McMakin, Company K, Twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteers. 
■f. While the heat of the battle was at its highest, this noble fellow, 
supposing that all the Federal force must surrender or be cut to 
pieces, resolved to accomplish something which might entitle him to 
honor, or give him a glorious death. So, watching his opportunity, 
he caught a riderless steed, and mounting him, dashed forward into 
the rebel lines, making toward their first standard, with the deter- 
mination of capturing it. By one of those strange fatalities for 
which it has always been impossible to account, McMakin, cutting 
down his foemen right and left, actually reached the rebel flag, 
seized it, and was bringing i* triumphantly away, when his horse 
sank dead under him, thus leaving him in the midst of his enraged 
enemies. 

Death seemed inevitable, and yet McMakin kept free from harm. 
Some good angel must surely have protected the hero, for, with the 
exception of a few bruises and cuts, he fought his way back, still 
bearing the captured flag, until he received help from a company of 
the Seventh Iowa Yolunteers, who, noticing his splendid valor, went 
rushing with the most enthusiastic cheers to his rescue. Strange to 
say, just as succor came to him, he was felled to the earth by a blow 
from the stock of a musket, and sank, apparently to be trampled to 
death by the feet of both friends and foes. Still a pet of Fortune, 
however, he had not more than reached the ground ere three or four 
fell on and around him, thus forming a rampart of defence, which 
completely secured him from further injury. 

For a short time the contest for the rebel standard raged madly 
above him, when finally the Confederates, after tearing the flag in 



A BUCKTAIL BOY. 65 

half, fled, leaving ilie pole and one-half the bunting in the possession 
of the Seventh Iowa company. 

McMakin was not seriously hurt, and soon recovering, was helped 
forward by his rescuers, who, with that disinterested generosity 
which always marks true soldiers, gave the captured remnant of the 
rebel flag into his keeping, saying that he was most entitled to it. ^ 



A BUCKTAIL BOY. 



WILLIAM LANSING, COMPANY F, "BUCKTAIL RIFLES," OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



On the 20th of December, 1861, this celebrated regiment of volun- 
teers, together with General Ord's Brigade and Easton's Artillery, 
proceeded in the direction of Drainesville, Virginia, having in view 
the two-fold object of foraging and reconnoitering. 

Upon reaching Thornton's House, a short distance from Draines- 
ville, the command was fired upon by the rebels, who were in ambush 
in the woods that lined both sides of the road. The column was, 
of course, instantly halted, and formed properly to engage the 
enemy, who kept up a brisk firing from a battery of six pieces and 
all their musketry. 

The Federal guns, one twenty-four, and two twelve pounder 
howitzers, were quickly in position, and returned the iron hail that 
shrieked around them with full interest, while the Bucktails, each of 
whom was a capital marksman, steadily sent in their deadly volleys 
-wherever any of the rebels showed themselves. 

But, as the foes were well concealed, it at once became apparent 
that the bayonet would have to be resorted to, for the purpose of 
driving them from their covert. Accordingly, the charge was 
sounded, and into the dense v/oods dashed the Bucktails and their- 
brave comrades, where they encountered the rebels hand to hand. 
In those sombre forest aisles occurred many a desperate combat ; for 
brave men fought with all their bravery, in mistaken zeal for the- 
Tinholy cause of the rebellion, and lives were quenched only after 
their possessors had accomplished prodigies of valor. 

William Lansing, of whom we write, had fired all his rounds, 
when suddenly he found himself encountered by three stalwart 
rebels, who demanded his surrender. This he refused, and, assum- 
ing an attitude of stern defiance, awaited his death, for he thought 
that their pieces were loaded. They were not, however, and his - 



66 A BUCKTAIL BOY. 

would-be captors attempted to kill him with their bayonets. In- 
stantly hope sprang up within him, and, quickly throwing himself 
on guard, he prepared to defend himself with his own piece. 

Fortunately he had been an Attentive scholar in the bayonet 
exercise, as taught by General McClellan, and his knowledge and 
judgment soon placed him on an equality with his three antagonists, 
whom he quickly forced to ••guard" themselves instead of pushing 
him. They were all powerful and resolute men, however, and, by 
continually keeping him in motion, they hoped to tire him out, and 
' thus kill or capture him. 

The combat went on for several minutes, and, as yet, although 
they had received several ugly prods from his weapon, our hero's 
assailants had not. been lucky or skilful enough to return the com- 
pliment. 

At last, fearing that longer delay might cause their own capture 
by the Union troops, who were driving the rebels before them, 
Lansing's three enemies endeavored to accomplish their object by 
allowing one of their number to load his musket, while the other 
two kept their intended victim fully employed. Lansing perceived 
the plan, and coolly prepared, if possible, to baffle it, for in case he 
did not, he knew he must fall. 
) The rebel who was loading, got his cartridge rammed, threw the 
rammer on the ground, and was feeling for a percussion cap. At 
this moment, which was one of intense anxiety to Lansing, the latter, 
by a quick, double parry, threw aside the weapons of the two who 
were engaging him, and dashed like lightning upon the one who 
was loading. The fated rebel sought to save himself, but it was too 
late ; and he sank lifeless to the earth, thrust through the neck by 
our hero's bayonet. Instantly facing about, Lansing caught the 
foremost of his remaining assailants directly on the breast, and he, 
too, fell with a groan, to rise no more. 

By this time, the Bucktail Boy's comrades were close at hand, 
and the third rebel, thinking it more prudent to fly than to fight, 
started in rapid retreat. But Lansing instantly pursued him, .and, 
speedily overtaking him, pinned him to the earth, as he refused to 
ask for quarter. 

The latter fact struck Lansing as so strange, that he was induced 
to search the dead man, under the supposition that he would find 
good reason for the rebel's obstinacy. His idea proved correct, for, 
concealed in the clothing of the corpse, he found several papers, 
which showed that the bearer haS, without doubt, been a most 
expert and dangerous spy. One of these papers contained plans and 



A BRAVE SAILOR, 6T 

other information relative to the strength and position of the 
Union army, which would have been of the utmost value to the 
rebels had they obtained possession of it. 

Our hero was promptly rewarded for his bravery, in the only 
manner which is acceptable to the faithful soldier.. 



A BRAVE SAILOR. 



CHARLES S. BOND, SEAMAN, U. S. TRANSPORT OCEAN EXPRESS. 



Since the War of the Revolution, which developed, to a great 
extent, the naval ability and superiority of the American nation, we 
have steadily been progressing upon the ocean, until at last we have 
taken the lead of all nations thereon. And this, not alone in the 
construction of vessels, nor their machinery, nor armament, but also 
in the material of which we compose their crews. Daring, cool, and 
brave, the American sailor has shown himself at sea to be the same 
unflinching hero that the American soldier has shown himself to be 
on land. And the only thing that ever marred either, has been the 
mutual disagreement, or jealousy, which, until the present rebellion 
broke forth, might be characterized as real animosity and contempt. 

This unwise and hurtful feeling has been, however, almost totally 
dissipated during the last two years, by the judicious judgment of 
such naval commanders as Admiral Porter, and such military offi- 
cers as Generals Grant and Keyes, who have striven continually 
to destroy it, by giving to the opposite arms of the service full 
praise and credit for their co-operation in making or repelling 
attacks. The result is, the almost total annihilation of the old and 
dangerous rivalry, and the harmonious working together of the land 
and naval forces, to the attainment of one grand end. 

Of the many expeditions that have been fitted out by the Govern- 
ment, for the purpose of capturing and holding points of value and 
importance along the rebellion's coast, none was, perhaps, grander or 
more momentous in its objects, than that which was sent to Port 
Royal, South Carolina. Besides a number of vessels of war, it had 
many transports for the conveyance of troops, stores, horses, and 
other things pertaining to the enterprise. Of course it would be 
impossible for such an undertaking to be perfectly free from acci- 
dents and mishaps, and, among others that happened, was the wreck- 
ing of two transports, 2he Union and The Ocean Express. The former 



€8 A BRAVE SAILOR. 

laden witli horseS; was driven ashore at Rogue's Beacli. The crew, 
seventy-three in number, were all saved, and sent as prisoners to 
Raleigh, North Carolina, by the rebels. 

The Ocean Escpress, carrying a large amount of ammunition, was 
wrecked, during the gale, on Kill Devil Shoals. The sea was run- 
ning mountain high as the unfortunate vessel struck the terrible 
reefs which were so appropriately named, and was shattered at 
almost the first blow. But her heroic crew, undaunted by the fury 
of the tempest, instantly prepared to reach the shore if possible. 

Among those who most distinguished themselves for coolness 
and fortitude on this trying occasion, was Charles S. Bond, a 
common seaman, who utterly refused to leave the battered and sink- 
ing transport until all his comrades were safely placed in the boats. 
All went well until just as Bond was about to follow the last two of 
the crew into a boat. At this moment a tremendous sea swept him 
and them overboard, and drove the boat nearly one hundred yards 
away. 

All three were good swimmers, however, and struck out manfully 
for the boats the moment they caught sight of them. The latter 
saw and tried to reach them, but were unable to make any headway, 
and, after repeated failures to do so, they pushed for land, giving up 
all hope of rescuing the poor, daring fellows. ' One of these, when he 
beheld the boats thus leaving them, gave up in despair, and throw- 
ing up his hands, was sinking, when Bond grasped him, and bade 
him cheer up and try to make the shore by swimming, promising to 
help him. Thus encouraged, the drowning man took courage, and 
struck out with his comrades for the beach. It was, indeed, a terrible 
struggle, billow after billow rolling over the devoted mariners and 
seeking to engulf them for ever. 

At about half the distance. Bond's other companion began to give 
out, and again the noble fellow sought to encourage him also to fresh 
effort, although he was well nigh exhausted himself But appa- 
rently in vain, until at last, as they rose on the top of a wave. Bond's 
quick eye noticed several boats putting out toward them. 

"They see us, lads!" shouted he, in a hoarse, choking voice, "and 
the boats are coming ! Swim a little more !" 

The unfortunate men had been seen, and lusty arms were now 
bending trusty oars for their rescue. 

" Pull, men I they're all together ; pull ! Pull like the d — 1 ! and 
we'll soon get there !" commanded he who stood in the bow of the 
foremost boat and watched the swimmers. 

Like beautiful birds, the rescuing boats flew over billow and 



A TRUE COMRADE. 69 

wave. But tliej were yet some distance away, when, unable longer 
to keep up, in spite of the knowledge tbat'help was at hand, Bond's 
two companions began to sink for • the last time, bidding him fare- 
well as they were going down. 

Though ready to sink himself, Bond's noble generosity would not 
allow him to see his comrades die without one more effort for their 
rescue, and so, grasping one in each hand, he actually sustained 
them by " treading water," a motion made by the feet, which merely 
keeps the swimmer up without giving him progression. 

The boats were presently near at hand, and friendly voices shouted 
words of cheer and encouragement. 

Nearer they came, and Bond could see the features of the men 
standing up in the foremost boat, while the latter could see that 
Bond's mouth was wide open, gasping for breath. 

" Here we are. Bond !" called out the man, leaning forward, " here 
we are! hold out half a minute, my boy!" "A little more to 
larboard ! so, steady ! steady !" These latter words to the steersman. 

A few more yards, and the saving boat shot up to the fast-failing 
man, who, though nearly gone, ^till held up his insensible compan- 
ions. 

" Ship larboard oars !" cried the man standing in the first boat's 
bow, as throwing himself on his knees, and stretching forth his 
strong arm, he seized Bond by the hair, and dragged him half into the 
boat. Two of the crew at the same moment grasped the other two, 
who seemed to be already dead. 

" God bless you !" said Bond, faintly, with a gurgling gasp, and 
then sank into insensibility. 

The boats were immediately headed for the shore, on reaching 
which, restoratives were promptly applied, and all three of our 
heroes brought to consciousness. Bond met with lavish praise from 
all for his noble and self-sacrificing heroism ; even his rebel captors 
joining his own comrades in admiration at his gallant act. 



A TRUE COMRADE. 



LEWIS BRINTON, COMPANY A, FIRST CALIFORNIA VOLUNTEERS. 



Although many more sanguinary battles have been fought since 
the unfortunate one at Ball's Bluff, yet the remembrance of that 
bloody event still remains freshly in the public mind. The same 



70 A TRUE COMRADE. 

old tale of some one blundering, and the same terrible reports of 
fearful slaughter, and unpd,ralleled bravery and devotion on the part 
of the victims. 

It was there that the warrior statesman, Colonel E, D. Baker, 
offered up his life upon his country's altar, with all the noble enthu- 
siasm of his enthusiastic nature. 

He had infused his own spirit into the men under his command, 
and many, very many, were the splendid deeds performed during the 
battle that proved fatal to so many brave hearts. 

It is unnecessary here to repeat the horrors that attended the 
retreat of the Union forces, in. consequence of there being inadequate 
transportation across the swollen river, whose rushing, chilling waves 
swallowed up alike the wounded, and dying, and well, who were 
capsized from clums}'-, overloaded rafts to one common death. 

On one of these rafts were over a hundred men, while there was 
not really room for thirty. The frail concern had, with careful 
management, reached the middle of the river, when, by some unseen 
accident, it lurched to one side, and threw its precious freight, with 
one or two exceptions, all into the ccJd, rapid current. Many, clasp- 
ing each other in that fatal embrace which dying persons give each 
other, sank immediately, to be washed ashore miles below, and 
buried, or left to the vultures, as chance might will it. Others 
struggled longer, and held on to life's thread until some ruder wave 
than the rest snapped it asunder, and they, too, drowned. Some 
shrieked, others cursed, and others gurgled away their last breath 
in prayer. 

A few succeeded in gaining the shore, after a terrible struggle 
with the river, which roared the more angrily that they thus es- 
caped. 

This dark scene of horrof had its bright spots, however, and the 
one we intend to narrate shines with the most beautiful lustre of 
humanity and heroism. 

Lewis Brinton, upon being thrown from the raft, started with 
some others for the shore, which, being an excellent swimmer, and 
withal possessed of cool judgment, he reached with comparative ease. 
While all these unfortunate men were thus buffeting for their lives, 
and, of course, unable to make any sign of surrender, the victorious 
rebels showered volley after volley of bullets among them, until 
ordered to cease by a Confederate of&cer, more humane than his 
superiors. 

Brinton, himself, was luckily unharmed by the whistling balls, 
but many of his companions were killed and wounded. As he 



A TRUE COMRADE. 71 

r" 

stood upon the shore, unwilling to continue his retreat until his 
comrades were all safely landed, this noble soldier re-entered the 
river, and, standing up to his waist in water, assisted several ashore. 
While thus engaged, one poor fellow, who had been wounded by a 
sharpshooter in the shoulder, called to him, and begged him to come 
and help him, as he was drowning. 

Though the latter was a hundred yards out in the river, and fast 
failing, yet Brinton, without a moment's hesitation, plunged into the 
icy current, and struck out toward his comrade, who was nearly 
exhausted when he reached him. Brinton grasped him, and then 
started for the shore. His companion, being as brave as himself, 
did not attempt to take hold of his rescuer, but assisted himself as 
much as possible, assuring his preserver that if he could not reach 
the bank, he would go down rather than endanger his life. Brinton, 
on the other hand, determined that he would not leave his wounded 
friend until he could no longer keep him jip. 

After a fearful struggle, in which both were several times sub- 
merged, the heroic rescuer and his comrade got safely to shore, 
where the former bound up the latter's wound with, bandages made 
of his own shirt. 

He had scarcely finished his Samaritan task, however, when a 
fresh* cry of distress fell upon his ears. Looking up, he noticed 
another comrade who had nearly reached the bank, but who was so 
suddenly cramped as to be unable to swim but a little while longer. 
Again, Vithout an instant's pause, Brinton plunged into the river, 
and, after a fresh struggle for life, succeeded in bringing this other 
drowning man safely to land. 

Upon coming out, however, he was so exhausted himself as to be 
scarcely able to stand. But, adhering to his original determination, 
he waited until the last one of the retreating regiment was safely 
ashore, and then, together with them, he continued his flight toward 
camp. 

His over-exertion and exposure proved too much for him, and a 
day or two later he fell ill, was sent home, and there died. There 
were at least two hearts who truly mourned with his dear old 
mother, as the patriot hero, Lewis Brinton, was laid gently away in 
the tomb, to sleep, undisturbed forever by the cannon's deep roar, or 
the bugle's shrill blast. 



72 A PERILOUS EXPLOIT. 



A PERILOUS EXPLOIT. 



ELIAS H. DURAND, COMPANY G, TWENTY-SEVENTH IOWA VOLUNTEERS. 



One of the first objects that General Grant had in view after de- 
feating the Confederate army at Jackson, Mississippi, was to destroy 
the bridge that spanned the Big Black river, and thus cut off all 
communication between Johnson's forces and those of Vicksburg. 
For this purpose, General Osterhaus, with his veteran troops* sup- 
ported by General Carr's division, was ordered forward to drive 
Pemberton into his fortifications. 

The movement was so promptly made by the Union commander, 
that Pemberton and his army were taken completely by surprise, 
and ere they could post themselves properly to meet the impetuous 
attack, they were driven back with heavy loss, especially in artillery 
and prisoners. Of the latter, General Lawler's Brigade captured 
more than they themselves numbered. '•" 

But if the rebel commander was surprised, the Federal General 
was more so, for, instead of such an easy victory he had expected a 
hard fought contest. And singular to say, that as the affair turned 
out it directly reversed, for the time, the object for which he had 
advanced. That is, in place of destroying the bridge, it now«became 
his object to preserve it, in order that he might pursue the tho- 
roughly demoralized enemy. The latter, however, the moment they 
crossed the bridge, fired it in several parts, so as to insure its com- 
plete destruction, while the Federals made strong efforts to save it. 

Conspicuous among the latter was Elias H. Durand, of whom we 
write. Noticing a six pounder that had been deserted by the foe, 
too hurriedly to permit even of its being fired or spiked, he sprang 
to it, and, turning it by himself upon a group of rebels on the bridge, 
sighted it with the utmost coolness and precision, and fired. 

The double charge of grape was well aimed, and, as the heroic 
gunner sprang upon the piece to see the effect of his discharge, a yell 
of triumph from his comrades rang out upon the air. Of the rebel 
group all but two lay dead or dying on the timber they were en- 
deavoring to kindle. Twice more did our impromptu artilleryman — 
who, it must be stated, did not belong to that arm of the service — 
load, sight, and fire the captured piece, and each time with the most 
fearful effect upon the enemy. • As at first, he leaped upon the gun 



A PERILOUS EXPLOIT. TS 

to see what his shot had eifected ; but by this time he had attracted 
the notice of a Mississippi sharpshooter, who instantly leveled his 
deadly riile upon the brave fellow. 

The next moment, Durand was seen to stagger and fall, and it was 
supposed that he was killed. But he was not to be so easily "put 
out of the ring,''^ as he afterwards remarked to his surgeon. At the 
instant that the rebel sharpshooter had pulled his trigger, Durand 
partially turned himself, and steadying himself upon the rammer of 
the piece, he was just in the act of leaping down to load again. The 
well-directed rifle-ball struck the rammer, and, splintering it. then 
passed into Durand's left shoulder, just below the clavicle, or 
shoulder bone, and lodged a little above the inferior edge of the 
scapula, or blade bone. 

He found that he could not use his arm, and therefore could not 
reload the six pounder. Determined, however, to continue the 
battle, he made his way down to the bridge, which was now more 
than half consumed, and seizing an axe from the hands of a dying 
pioneer, pressed forward with his brave comrades to assist in staying 
the progress of the flames. As he jostled forward his shoulder gave 
him dreadful pain ; but, like a true hero, he pushed on until a piece 
of shell, fired from our own artillery, and falling short of its mark, 
wounded his remaining arm severely. 

Then seeing that he was no longer of any service, but rather a 
hindrance, he commenced his retreat. After getting clear of the 
masses of soldiers who were immediately by the bridge, he was met 
by an officer who halted him, and asked why he was flying. 

"Flying, sir," he replied, with pardonable vehemence, "flying! 
Why it is as much as I can do to creep along, let alone fly ! See 
this hole through my shoulder, and this shell mark in my other 
arm?" 

The blood was flowing rapidly from his arm, and he must soon 
have fallen from weakness had not the officer, appreciating the 
bravery oT the noble fellow, dismounted and bound up the wounded 
limb with his own hands. He then gave him directions how to 
reach the hospital, and promised to have him promoted for his gal- 
lantry. 

Durand is stiU in the hospital, but has nearly recovered from his 
wounds, and only awaits the moment when he may again join battle 
with the enemies of his country. His bravery was fully appreciated, 
for, on hearing his narrative, and learning also that he had served ten 
years in the old regular army, his commander had him commissioned 
a second lieutenant of^rtillery. 



74 A. SAILOR SCOUT. 



A SAILOR SCOUT. 



EGBERT D. HAZLETT, U. S. GUNBOAT YANKEE. 

The blockade of the Potomac river by rebel batteries, during tbe 
winter of 1860 and 1861, was, at that time, a matter of grave annoy- 
ance. And not only then, but also since, it has been made the sub- 
ject of the most severe strictures upon the efficiency of the military 
authorities then in command at Washington. But it has been satis- 
factorily settled that, although it was so annoying, this rebel block- 
ade was in reality an assistance to the plans of the Union commander, 
then being matured. True, had we been possessed of a navy, such 
as we have to-day, not a single battery could ever have been erected 
upon the banks of that classic river. As it was, however, good to 
an inconceivable extent followed, for it was at the repeated and 
earnest solicitations of General McClellan, that the celebrated 
Monitor was completed and launched, fully a fortnight before the time 
s-pecified hy her builders, for the purpose of clearing these batteries and 
making a reconnoisance up to Richmond. She was thus in time to 
meet and conquer the Merrimac, the monster which otherwise would 
have destroyed our whole wooden navy, and shelled Washington 
itself, or any port she might have chosen to enter. 

Most prominent among the Potomac flotilla, at the time of which 
we write, were the two gunboats, Yankee and Stepping Stones, 
each of which vessels earned for themselves quite a notoriety among 
the rebels, and consequently received the greatest attention from the 
latter's gunners. 

Aboard the Yankee there was a tall, thin man, Robert D. Hazlett 
by name, who was a true specimen of the American sailor. He had 
been in the service more than fifteen years, and was so thoroughly 
versed in his profession as to be counted authority in nautical mat- 
ters, by even his superiors. Hazlett was as brave and true as he was 
experienced, and, withal, a quaint sort of fellow. 

One day, just as the vessel steamed past Matthias Point, she was 
fired at from a new gun of terrible power, that had only been put in 
position since the last time she had gone up the river. The com- 
mander of the Yankee immediately replied to the compliment with a 
heavy shot, -which, however, as was generally the case, did no harm. 
^ As our hero noticed that the captain's temper was ruffled by this 



A SAILOR scour. 85 

want of succeHS, he coolly but respectfully stepped before him, and, 
making the customary salute, said : 

" Capl^in, if you'll give me a chance, I'll try and silAce that 
fellow and all the rest of them, by to-morrow. I think I can do it." 

" How so ? How do you propose to do it ?" asked the captain, 
looking the honest tar in the face. 

The lattar, after glancing cautiously around him, whispered his 
plan in the ear of his superior, who, seemingly struck favorably with 
it, ordered him to follow him to the cabin. Here followed an expla- 
nation which led to Hazlett's being landed at a certain point on the 
river bank below, for the purpose of going on " secret servkeP 

For several days after this, it was noticed that the Matthias Point 
battery did not fire as usual at passing vessels, and it was even 
hinted that the rebels had abandoned the spot. The cause of this 
intermission was never explained to any one but the captain of the 
Yankee, until sometime afterward, when, among the prisoners who 
were released by the Confederate military authorities at Richmond, 
was Robert D. Hazlett. Upon his arrival at Washington, he imme- 
diately sought out his old commander, to whom he narrated the fol- 
lowing as a history of himself after he left the Yankee, to go on his 
secret expedition. 

'■' Well, captain, after I got ashore, and sent the boat back to the 
vessel, I traveled over to a piece of woods, where I knew of a hiding- 
place in which I could live till eternity, without anybody discovering 
me. Here I stayed until night came, when, creeping out of my con- 
cealment, I made my way, as cautiously as an old fox, across the 
country to where the battery was thrown up. 

, " Getting past the outlying pickets and sentinels didn't give me 
the least trouble, for they were not very wary, and even if they had 
been, the tricks I learned while in Sumatra, among the natives there, 
would have helped me past them and old Cerberus himself. 

"However, I moved very gently for fear of frightening some 
of them ; for you know a coward is, three times out of four, more 
likely to alarm a whole army than a brave fellow. The rain be- 
friended me, too, for it came down in straight torrents, and, being 
disagreeably cold, it induced the rebels to take more care of them- 
selves than their guns. So you see the job came easier, and there 
was less likelihood of my being caught before I got through, 

"I had the position of every piece well mapped out in my 

memory, and without any difficulty I crept straight to the first one, 

that sixty pounder, you remember, that used to throw so wicked. 

Well, I took out a rat-tail and my hammer — I had covered the latter 

4 



I 86 A SAILOR SCOUT. 

I 

.well over witli several layers of flannel and cotton — and, pulling off 
the apron, felt for the touch-hole of the gun. Then carefully insert- 
ing thclJfend of the file, I listened a moment to hear if any one was 
near. All ■vTas well, and I drove the spike with a single blow. 

"'There's a ration of rat's-tail for you, old pounder!' said I, to 
myself, as I left the now useless piece, and made my wa3'' to the next 
^ne, which I served in the same manner. As good fortune willed 
it, I succeeded in spiking every gun that ranged on the river, before 
I was discovered, and even then I really think that I could have got 
away safely if I had not become careless at the moment. But I was 
so pleased with myself at thus silencing a whole battery with such 
ease, that I forgot where I was for the instant, and gave a sort of a 
small cheer. 

" ' Who goes there ?' challenged a sentry, as he heard me. 

" ' Me 1' replied I, as the click of a musket fell upon my ear, and 
then I quickly added, ' A friend !' 

" ' Advance and give the countersign !' 

" ' Call the corporal of the guard,' answered I, to this, seeing that 
serious results might follow any attempt at evasion. ' I have been on 
secret service, and I don't know the word.' 

" ' Then why didn't you stop at the first picket line ?' asked the 
* sentry, coming close to me with his leveled musket. 

" ' That's my business !' I rejoined boldly ; ' do as I tell you ! I 
want to see the commandant, for I have important news to commu- 
nicate.' 

" Seeing my determined manner, the sentry did as I ordered, and I 
was soon after taken in charge by the corporal, who, at my repeated 
and earnest request, led me to the quarters of Colonel Taylor, the 
commandant of the post, who was raised out of a sound "slumber to 
see me. 

" Upon being introduced to him, I drew out the written orders 
you had given me, which saved me from being treated as a spy, and, 
making a very polite bow, I said : 

" ' I am sorry to disturb you, Colonel, but I have come to tell you 
that every gun in your battery is spiked !' 

" ' What ! thunder and lightning ! Who are you, anyhow ?' ex- 
claimed he, crumpling the paper I had handed him in his hasty 
efforts to open it. 

'" I am Robert D. Hazlett, of the United States gunboat Yankee, 
at your service.' 

" I never saw a live man, captain, turn so quickly like a dead one, 
as the rebel Colonel did when I said this. AYhen his first surprise 



A chaplain's dash. 81 

went off; liowever, he seized a pistol, and -would no doubt have shot 
me dead, if I had not just as quickly drawn my own revolver and 
leveled it upon him. Then I held a parley with him, and finally 
convinced him that what I had done was entirely allowable in honor- 
able warfare, and that, having accomplished my purpose, I surrendered 
myself a prisoner into his hands, claiming the same treatment as 
other prisoners of war were entitled to. As I did so, I handed him 
my weapons. 

" By this time his anger was cooled down, and he seemed rather 
to admire me than otherwise, but threatened all manner of punish- 
ment upon those whose duty it should have been to prevent my 
spiking the guns. He then ordered me into the guard-house, from 
which I was removed the next day, and sent to Eichmond, where I 
have remained ever since." 

An offer of promotion was forthwith made to this gallant sailor, 
but he refused, saying : 

^' Oh, no, captain! I'm just as willing to serve Uncle Sam as ever I 
was ; but you see I've not got education enough to serve in any 
higher position than I now have, and I'm too old to go to studying." 

It would have been well for the nation, had some of our promi- 
nent commanders been possessed of a tithe of the modesty of the 
hero of our sketch. 



A CHAPLAIN'S DASH. 



captain J. J. GEER, CHAPLAIN FORTY-EIGHTH OHIO VOLUNTEERS. 



Not the least remarkable feature of the present rebellion is the 
prominent stand taken by the loyal clergy of all sects and denomina- 
tions. All, with one accord, laying aside ecclesiastical differences 
and jealousies of creed, have formed side by side, — Catholic, Presby- 
terian, Baptist, Methodist, and Episcopalian, to face and combat the 
heresy of secession. Yet have they not confined themselves to the 
pulpit alone, but, going to the bloodiest front of battle, with the com- 
monest soldiers, they have submitted themselves cheerfully to all the 
perils incident to their practical espousal of the holy cause of the Union. 
And many of them, not even satisfied with this, have taken an 
active part in the hostilities against the rebels, and rendered the most 
signal service to their country. Second to none on the glorious list, 



■83 A chaplain's dash. 

stands the name of Chaplain {now Captain U. S. A.) John J. Gear, 
who, after recruiting a large number of the gallant men of the Forty- 
eighth Ohio Volunteers, accompanied that regiment in the capacity 
of chaplain. For this purpose, he left a lucrative pastoral charge 
and a loving family. Through all their marchings, and hardships, 
and battles, Mr. Geer accompanied the Forty-eighth, until the eve of 
the contest at Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing. 

For some time previous to this date, however, the chaplain had 
shown such soldierly and useful qualities, that he was offered,, and 
accepted, the position of Assistant Adjutant-General, on the staff" of 
Colonel, now General Ealph D. Buckland. Buckland commanded 
the Fourth Brigade of the Advance Division of General Grant's 
army, under General Sherman. 

His appointment did not cause him to forget his pastoral duties, 
however, and he still wore his chaplain's dress as often as his uni- 
form, praying and fighting by turns. 

On April 4th, two days previous to the great battle of Shiloh, 
Captain Geer, being some distance out of the town, discovered the 
advance of Beauregard's army coming up. He instantly saw that 
this boded a heavy attack, and, putting spurs to his horse, he gal- 
loped back to General Grant's headquarters, stated the fact, and 
asked for reinforcements for the outer picket line. Grant, who it is 
well known, is a strict disciplinarian, refused to pay any attention to 
the request, as a chaplain had no authority in such matters. With- 
out waiting another moment, Geer galloped away to his tent, donned 
his proper uniform, and again going to Grant, demanded the rein- 
forcements previously asked for. 

Grant immediately complied, and the Captain dashed away to the 
threatened picket line, which had already fallen back, and was ex- 
changing shots with the advancing rebels. 

Geer pushed his horse forward into the fray, bounded over the 
interval between the hostile lines, and, ere he was aware of the fact, 
found himself surrounded by his foes. The latter fired a volley at 
him, which wounded his steed badly, and then charged on him with 
their empty pieces. He instantly drew his revolver, and, spurring 
his staggering animal directly toward the rebels, fired every barrel 
of the pistol with deadly effect. As he sent his last bullet on its 
deadly errand, a soldier struck at him with a musket. The blow 
was caught on our hero's arm and hand, and shattered the latter 
dreadfully. Several others struck at him a moment afterward, and 
he fell, apparently killed, together with the faithful steed that car- 
ried him. 



EHODE ISLAND HEROES. 89 

A strange good fortune preserved him, however, and, presently 
recovering, he was carried by his rebel captors to the rear, thrown 
across a horse like a sack of wheat, as he was too weak to sit or 
walk. After a variety of adventures, being several times tried for 
his. life, escaping, living sometimes in the swamps, and being there 
run down by blood-hounds, Captain Geer at length reached Eich- 
mond, from whence, being exchanged, he was brought to Wash- 
ington. 

The peculiar value of Captain Geer's services, on the occasion to 
which we have alluded, was, that his intelligence of the enemy's 
advance so promptly taken by him to head-quarters, prevented the 
total surprise originally intended by Beauregard. What the result 
would haVe been had General Grant not thus been informed so 
early of the rebels' advance movement we will not contemplate. 
The disaster would have been perhaps irreparable. 

No man who has received the promotion and notice of the Gov- 
ernment, for his meritorious acts of bravery, more richly deserves 
it than Captain John J. Geer, the patriotic chaplain of the Forty- 
eighth Ohio volunteers. 



EHODE ISLAND HEROES. 



FIRST RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY, COLONEL DUFFIE. 



The thrilling genius of Tennyson had as much to do with immor- 
talizing the " Noble Six Hundred" of Balaklava, as their own 
patriotic gallantry. Yet we would not on that account subtract a 
leaf from their laurels, earned as they were so nobly. But in using 
the incident of their gory victory as a measure of bravery, we find 
that it is at least equaled, if not surpassed, by many deeds performed 
by our own inimitable volunteers, during the present war. The 
charge of the Twenty-second Iowa Regiment at Vicksburg, will go 
many a day without a parallel; while the combat we are about to 
narrate of the First Rhode Island Cavalry, with an overwhelming 
force of rebels, exceeds in brilliancy that of the " Six Hundred," and 
has furnished a copy that sabre may never again equal. 

Immediately subsequent to the rebel General Lee's manceuvre, by 
which he turned General Hooker's flank, and pushed toward Wash- 
ington from the Rappahannock, the cavalry arm of the Federal army 
was called upon to play a most important and perilous part. 



90 RHODE ISLAND HEEOES. 

An attempt to ascertain what Lee was really about, led to a scat- 
tering of several regiments of horse throughout the region of country 
likely to be occupied by the enemy. One of these, the Ehode Island 
First, after performing a certain duty, started from Warrenton for 
Middleburg, north of the Bull Eun Mountains, intending to j.oin 
their own division, which was coming through Aldie Gap, 

At the time they started, this gap was in possession of the Union 
forces, as was also Middleburg. In the mean time, however, the lat- 
ter place had been taken by the Confederates, who drove back the 
Federals, and then quietly awaited the arrival of our heroes, expect- 
ing to take the whole regiment without a single shot. Word reached 
Colonel Duffie of his danger, and the apparent hopelessness of 
escape; but he resolved to make an effort to break through the 
enemy's lines at Middleburg. On approaching the town, he was met 
by the Fourth Virginia Cavalry, who immediately charged his com- 
mand. These were not only repulsed, but actually driven into the 
town, with terrible loss, by the Ehode Islanders, who, finding that the 
place was held by an overwhelming force of both infantry and 
artillery, retired to a wood about a mile away. 

In this wood they spent the night, resting their horses, that had 
traveled a hundred miles without forage, with the desperate inten- 
tion of cutting their way through the masses of the enemy, or 
perishing in the effort. 

Colonel Dufiie, with the candor of a brave man, did not conceal a 
single jot of the peril which surrounded his devoted band, and they, 
in return, promised to follow him to the death. 

Daylight at length came, and the heroic Ehode Islanders prepared 
for the awful combat that lay before them. Carbines and pistols 
were loaded, sabpes sharpened, and, just as the sun cast his first 
cheering ray across hill and valley, the devoted band moved out 
from the wood in the stern array of despair. All their farewells had 
been spoken, and all their messages of love, to dear ones at home, 
had been exchanged an hour before. Now none thought of aught 
else than victory or death. '■'> 

The moment the head of the little column appeared, the foe made 
a fierce attack, and then commenced the carnage. Forward was the 
only word, and forward was the only direction taken by our heroes. 
Nearly five thousand fresh, well-mounted, and well-equipped veter- 
ans of Lee's army, charged upon and around the fated squadron, 
hoping to crush it to the earth, and ride triumphantly over it. 

But, meeting the torrent sternly, the Ehode Islanders hacked their 
way toward liberty, leaving a trail among the masses of the foe, like 



A DANGEROUS MISSION. 91 

that of a hurricane in a forest. Yet in the midst of this battle whirl- 
pool, Colonel Duffie and his command kept perfectly cool, and, seeing 
at last an opportunity to force a passage through the rebels in the 
rear, the Colonel drew up what was left of the regiment, at the upper 
end of an open plain, and then, like a thunderbolt, flashed his way 
through the rear line of the foe, and galloped away toward Tho- 
roughfare Gap. 

For a moment the rebels were paralyzed with astonishment, and 
then, with mingled rage and chagrin, they charged wildly after the 
fugitives, whose steeds, almost worn out, were soon overtaken by the 
well-mounted Confederates. 

Once more commenced the dreadful carnage ; bullets whistled into 
palpitating breasts, and sabres sank relentlessly into whirling brains ; 
but onward pushed our heroes, their number constantly diminishing 
as their foes ground them to powder, as it were between mill stones. 

But what need is there to dwell further on the valor of the First 
Rhode Island Volunteers, on this occasion ? Suffice it to say, that 
out of the four hundred heroes who started from that protecting wood 
at day dawn, thirty -one, weary and wounded, reached Hooker's camp. 
"With the bard of Balaklava, we may truly exclaim : 

" When will their glory fade ?" 



A DANGEROUS MISSION. 

HENRY D. NORRINGTON, LOOMISS MICHIGAN BATTERY. 



Aft^ the battle of Carnifax Ferry had been fought, the rebels cut 
ofi' all communication between the Federal camp at Elkwater, and 
that on. the summit of Cheat Mountain, by seizing and holding the 
only road that connected them. 

Becoming at once apparent that the communication must be re- 
established, several trusty scouts were sent out, one after another, to 
Colonel Kimball, on the mountain top, from General Reynold's camp 
at Elkwater. But such was the untiring vigilance of the enemy, 
that each one in turn was shot ere reaching his destination. The 
danger to the Elkwater camp was imminent, and a volunteer was 
asked for to open up a correspondence with Colonel Kimball. A 
young man of great courage, immediately started with high hopes 
of success ; but he, too, fell, and was never heard of again. 

The commanding General, then stating fairly and fully the perils 



92 A DANGEROUS MISSION. 

attending the task, asked for another volunteer. The command, 
which had been drawn up for the purpose of hearing the proposal, 
remained immovable, and not a soldier stirred from his place for 
several minutes. During the silence that reigned, faces were turned 
continually up and down the lino, to see if there was any one bold 
enough to undertake the task. These few minutes seemed an age to 
every one, and the General, with disappointment marked on his 
features, was turning away, when private Henry D. Norrington, of 
Loomis's Michigan Battery, stepped from his rank, and offered to go 
upon the perilous errand. 

He was immediately ordered to report himself at headquarters, 
where, receiving his orders, and instructions, and dispatches, to Col. 
Kimball, he started for his destination. With the most admirable 
tact and caution, our hero succeeded in eluding the first picket- 
line of the rebels, after passing which, he traveled nearly the whole 
distance beyond, crawling upon his hands and knees. In case of sur- 
prise and failure, he had his dispatches rolled up in his mouth, and 
ready to swallow. 

In this manner, he reached Colonel Kimball's camp, on the top of 
Cheat Mountain, and safely delivered his dispatches into the hands 
of that commander. 

And now he had completed but half of the fearful task he had 
undertaken, for, to complete it all, it was necessary that he should 
carry back a dispatch from Colonel Kimball to General Eeynolds. 
The desperate character of the enterprise nyiy be inferred from the 
fact that Kimball's whole command shook hands with our hero 
before he started upon his return, never expecting to see him again. 

He set out, however, at night, traveling in the same cautious man- 
ner as he did before, and holding himself ready for any em^gency. 
The North Star was his guide, and it did not deceive ]jim, for in due 
time he arrived within a few miles of Elkwater. Thus far* on his 
journey, he congratulated himself that he had succeeded, and that 
his perils were over; but even as these joyous thoughts passed 
through his mind, his quick eye discerned a rebel cavalry horse tied 
to a stake, some distance ahead. So suddeij and unexpected was this, 
that Norrington's hope was for a moment dashed to earth, but only 
for a moment. 

The next instant, our hero was crawling like a panther toward the 
animal, intending to capture him, and thus insure his own escape, 
provided the owner or his friends were not too close at hand. Coming 
within reach of the steed, which was already saddled, the scout 
cautiously peered around him to see if the danger was too great. 



A TRUE SON OF THE BUCKEYE STATE. 93 

Unable to catcli the slightest glimpse of any foe, he sprang to the 
bridle, unhitched the horse, vaulted into the saddle, and the next 
moment was galloping away toward Elkwater at the top of his speed. 

Ere he was out of range, several men, who doubtless had been 
close at hand, bounded into the road, and, raising their pieces, sent a 
volley of rifle balls after him, which, although they whistled disagree- 
ably near, did him no injury. He did not stop to return the compli- 
ment, but continued to urge forward the horse, on whose fleetness all 
now depended. The steed was a splendid charger, full-blooded, and 
as spirited as a lion ; and right gallantly did he carry his new master 
into the Union lines, within whose protection the scout was safe. 

He had thus succeeded in his perilous mission, and, delivering 
Colonel Kimball's message and letter to General Eeynolds, he received 
the most lavish praise and thanks from the latter officer. We are 
happy to add, also, that his reward did not end here, for, besides being 
promoted to the General's Staff, as Mounted Orderly, Norrington 
received from General Eeynolds an elegant revolver, from Captain 
Loomis a handsome sword, from the Assistant Adjutant-General a 
complimentary notice in his Official Report to the War Department, 
and, at dress parade, nine rousing cheers from his comrades. Five 
men had been killed in attempting the task which he successfully 
accomplished to the discomfit of the rebels. 



A TRUE SON OF THE BUCKEYE STATE. 



COL. PETER J. SULLIVAN, FORTY-EIGHTH OHIO yOLUNTEERS. 



In the present struggle for the life of our country, there has ever 
been a sharp and healthy rivalry between each of the loyal States as 
to which could do the most for the sacred cause of the Union. So 
strong has been this laudable emulation, that it would be exceedingly 
difficult to give exclusive commendation to any particular State. But 
none has surpassed the promptness and valor exhibited on every 
occasion by the noble volunteers sent into the grand conflict by our 
sister State of Ohio. 

Foremost on the roll of her heroic soldiers is the name of Colonel 
Peter J. Sullivan, the commander of the Forty-eighth Ohio Volun- 
teers. This gallant man, at the time of the breaking out of the rebel- 
lion, was engaged in Cincinnati in a profession that netted him an 
income of several thousand dollars a year. This he left for the pur- 



94 A TRUE SON OF THE BUCKEYE STATE. 

pose of taking up arms in defence of liis adopted country, for whicli 
he had before periled bis life in tlie Mexican campaign. Notwith- 
standing much opposition, he at last succeeded in raising a fine regi- 
ment, and at its head he marched to the seat of war. His experience 
soon enabled him to bring his command to such a high state of disci- 
pline and proficiency that the Forty -eighth was first and always 
detailed for the post of honor. 

At Fort Donelson they achieved wonders, while at the terrific 
battle of Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing, they won for themselves the 
enviable distinction of being the bravest regiment on that gory field. 
How they were handled by their gallant Colonel needs no eulogium 
from us. Let the narrative speak for itself. 

The rebels, under the skilful management of Beauregard and 
Johnson, had advanced with the utmost secrecy and celerity, fondly 
hoping to crush Grant before Buell's army could reach him with 
assistance. And there is no doubt that, had it not been for the un- 
flinching bravery of a few commands like the Forty-eighth Ohio, the 
Confederates would have accomplished their object. As on previous 
occasions. Colonel Sullivan and his veteran regiment were assigned 
to the most dangerous post on the field, supported, we think, by the 
Seventy-second Ohio Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Ealph D. 
Buckland. 

After various manoeuvres, the Forty-eighth was placed at a certain 
point, which they were to hold at all hazards. The stand was taken 
not a moment too soon by our heroes, upon whom the foe soon 
launched an overwhelming column of troops. But, like a rock, the 
Buckeye boys stood their ground, beat back the enemy, and planted 
their own colors farther forward than before. Again and again did 
the rebels seek, with the utmost fury and determination, to capture 
the whole command; but so quickly and Avell did it obey the orders 
of its able Colonel, that all the efforts of the enemy were baffled. The 
latter retiring, allowed our heroes a little rest, but only a little, for, 
reinforced by fresh men, they once more threw themselves with re- 
newed fierceness upon the devoted band. ' 

And now commenced a terrible contest, so terrible, indeed, that 
Sullivan's superior ofiicer, fully satisfied that if he held out any 
•longer he would be cut to pieces, sent orders for him to abandon his 
position, and make safe his retreat while yet he had an opportunity. 

By this time the hard pressed Ohioan and his chivalrous command, 
however, were thoroughly excited, and determined to accomplish 
something more before giving way. The orderly who took the mes- 
sage to Sullivan repeated it again and again, but Sullivan's only 



A DESPERATE COMBAT. 95 

response, as lie passed up and down his line, encouraging his men, 
was: 

" Give us reinforcements, and we 'II send them to the d 1 !" ac- 
companied by a strong oath, which was easily pardonable under the 
circumstances. 

A moment or so later, and the indomitable Colonel actually hurled 
his gallant regiment against the advancing rebels, drove them back 
in some confusion, and then, cajHuring their colors, retreated in safetij, 
bringing off his whole command^ of course excepting those noble hearts 
who had fallen to rise no more. 

We record this simply as it was told us by Eev. Mr. Geer, the 
patriotic chaplain of Colonel Sullivan's regiment, and we cannot close 
without adding that one of Colonel Sullivan's most bitter opponents, 
the cowardly Colonel Eodney Mason, was ignominiously broken of 
his command for dastardly conduct on the same field on which 
Colonel' Sullivan and his heroic Forty-eighth won such renown. 



A DESPERATE COMBAT. 



WILLIAM DODGE, COMPANY M, NEW YORK HARRIS LIGHT CAVALRY. 

The Harris Light Cavalry has, by its repeated acts of daring and 
gallantry, earned the well-deserved reputation of being the best body 
of cavalry in the service. They were engaged in the attack by Gene- 
ral Pleasaijton on General Stuart, some distance from Ashby's Gap, 
and performed a great part of the heavy work on that occasion. 
Stuart's rebel horsemen fought with great spirit, but the endurance of 
their Northern opponents being far greater than their own, they were 
driven steadily back. Several incidents occurred during the battle, 
illustrative of the desperation with which each side fought. One of 
the most marked of these was the following, obtained from an eye 
witness. "We give the account in the language of our informant : 

" You see that Lee had pulled the wool over Hooker's eyes rather 
badly, and, by several manoeuvres,' had succeeded in leaving old Joe 
in the lurch on this side of the Rappahannock. When Hooker found 
that the rebel army had got away, he immediately had to hurry up 
his own force toward Washington. At the same time he was obliged 
to find out where Lee was, and what his intentions really were. In 
short, he had groped about after his wily enemy like a blind man. 

" Of course, the cavalry was now called ou to show its mettle and 



96 'A DESPERATE COfBAT. 

abilities, and, as hitherto, the Harris Light Horse were first and fore- 
most. At last, after a great deal of hard marching and hard fare, we 
got fairly at old Stuart's troopers, at Aldie, from which place we 
drove them backward and backward, till we pushed them right into 
Ashby's Gap. Here we found that the enemy was too strongly posted 
and reinforced to continue, so we returned, bringing off our wounded 
and many prisoners. 

" Among our wounded was William Dodge, of Company M, whom 
I myself helped to carry in. He was very badly cut up, for he had 
been in the thickest of the fight. I do not know what else he did, 
but I saw him myself, at one time, surrounded by six horsemen, every 
one of whom he killed or unsaddled. He was a large strong fellow, 
and brave to rashness. Becoming separated a little distance from his 
column, Dodge was seen by these six rebels, who immediately dashed 
down upon him, no doubt expecting to gobble him up. But I tell you 
they missed it badly, for Dodge, instead of waiting for them to come 
up, spurred his horse forward, right into the middle of them. This 
in itself rather astonished them ; but still determined to have him, 
they closed in onjiim, and all drew their sabres.' 

" Dodge saw his danger, but resolved liot to be taken prisoner. I 
expected every instant to see him drop, for a man surrounded by six 
well drilled cavalrymen don't have much chance for anything but 
death. But while I was looking. Dodge cut down two of his foes, 
and then, warding off a savage cut of a third, spurred his horse out 
of reach of the others. He might have escaped then, but that was 
not his intention, for, wheeling all of a sudden, he charged back on 
his pursuers, the foremost of whom dropped from his saddle. The 
one behind him, in making a lunge at Dodge, lost his balance and top- 
pled over. Dodge giving him a slash as he fell that finished him, I guess. 

"And now came his turn, for, just as he recovered, another of his , 
assailants, a small, wiry fellow, got close in on him, and drove his 
blade into Dodge's thigh, almost pinning him in his saddle. The 
next moment, though, he too went down to keep his comrades 
company, while Dodge, dashing at the last one, soon laid him low. 

" The brave fellow then plunged into the general fight, and I saw 
no more of him until I saw him* lying among a pile of dead and 
wounded men. After I brought him in, I examined his wounds, seve- 
ral of which were fatal. Two balls had entered his body, one passing 
through the right lung, and the other through the stomach, while his 
right arm was nearly severed from the shoulder by a sabre cut. In 
his thigh, also, was a plunging wound, the one, doubtless, that I had 
seen inflicted. He was badly cut, too, about the face and breast. 



^ 



LEADING THE FORLORN HOPE. 97 

• i 

' " He suffered great agony^ but bore it all like a true hero, and, as 

,•.'" I left him with the surgeon, who could not, however, do anything for 

* him, he shook my hand with, what little strength he had, and said : 

" ' Comrade, I've done my 4uty, haven't I ?' 
-, " '' Yes, and done it nobly,' answered I, as I squeezed his hand, and 
y the tears came into my eyes and dropped on hfs face, for I tell you, 

♦ * ■ sir, I couldn't help it. 

" ' Then I can die happy ! Good-bye, comrade. God bless you !' 
" I could scarcely hear the last words, and I was so full that, as I 
turned away to fall into the ranks, I could only nod my head and 
give his hand another squeeze for answer. He died soon after, and 
was buried close by the battle-field. A braver man never filled a 
soldier's grave." 



LEADING THE FOELORN HOPE. 



ORDERLY SERGEANT M. FARLEY, ELEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY. 



The " forlorn hope" is a body of troops, always volunteers, who, 
for their daring bravery and endurance, are detailed to make the first 
assault on the fortifications of an enemy. In a majority of cases the 
greater portion of those composing the forlorn hope are killed, and 
any one of them who escapes a wound of some sort is always consi- 
dered extremely fortunate. 

While the rebel General Lee was invading Pennsylvania, after 
turning the flank of Hooker's army, it was at once surmised that he 
had necessarily left the Peninsular approach to Richmond much ex - 
posed. To settle this fact. General Dix promptly dispatched Colonel 
Spear, with the Eleventh Pennsylvania, and detachments of the Second 
Massachusetts and Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, on a reconnoissance, and 
also to burn the bridges spanning the North and South Anna Rivers. 

On approaching the bridge on the latter river, Colonel Spear disco- 
vered that it was defended with a work of great strength, and well 
manned. He at once concluded that there was a large force close at 
hand ; but, unwilling to retire without testing it, the Colonel called 
for a volunteer storming party to make a dash on the tete-dii-2)ont. 
in a moment, the subject of this sketch. Orderly Sergeant M. Farley, 
sprang from his saddle, followed by a hundred and fifty of his comrades. 

The Colonel might have detailed a commissioned ofiicer to the 
command of the devoted column ; but, with true wisdom, he allowed 



98 LEADING THE FORLO^ HOPE. ^ 

the sergeant to lead. Directing them t|*the best point of the work, ^. 
the commander of the reconnoissance ga^ve the word, and in a moment*'* • 
the storming party were rushing at the foe. As they began to ascend ^ 
the glacis, the enemy rose over the cr*t, and, pouring a deadly vol- 
ley into the Federals, brought their mulcts to a charge, to repel the ^^ ' 
latter. P'*i' 

For a moment our heroes hesitated, for they-were armed ^nly. jvfth » ' 
pistols and sabres, while their foes, equal to themselves in numbers, 
were armed with that most effective weapon, the bayonet. It was 
one of those trying moments when the electric magnetism of valor 
may be passed from a leader to his men. There stood those brave 
men, balanced between retreat and victory. 

" Follow me ; forward ! trot ! gallop !" shouted Sergeant Farley, 
forgetting in the excitement of the crisis that the command was dis- 
mounted, and, therefore, giving a cavalry order. But it made no 
difference ; and, with a yell of joy, the noble fellows bounded forward 
after their heroic leader, who, firing his pistol, immediately charged 
the rebel line with his sabre only. The rebels laughed scornfully at 
his rashness, and a dozen bayonets, charged carefully to meet his 
assault, received him on their keen points. 

This was exactly what he had calculated on, and during the mo- 
ment that his comrades had wavered, he had determined thus to 
sacrifice his own life that the victory might be gained. Not only, 
therefore, did he-vnot recoil when the rebel bayonets pierced his 
quivering flesh, but actually pushed himgelf forward upon them, 
driving his antagonists back, and thus opening a gap in the line of 
defence. Seeing that he had accomplished his object, he turned his 
head, and shouted to his comrades : 

*' Through here ! charge !" ^ 

These were his last words as he fell. The next moment the Fede- 
rals rushed forward, got through the rebel line, and, after a short, 
sharp combat captured the whole command. This done, the main 
object of Colonel Spear was gained, and a few minutes later the bridge 
was in flames. 

Had it not been for Farley's devoted bravery, the Confederate 
guard could have held Spear's command at bay until the arrival of 
help, which was seen, just after the burning of the bridge, in the 
shape of a heavy mass of infantry that came rushing down the Frede- 
ricksburg road. Farley's example was as brilliant as his death, and 
we hope to be able to chronicle many such daring deeds ere victory 
crowns the Banner of the Union with imperishable glory. 



A WORTHT EXAMPLE. 99 



A WORTHY EXAMPLE. 



JOHN BUTTON, COMPANY G, 128 N. Y. VOLUNTEERS. 



During the first assault made by General Banks upon the Con- 
federate stronghold at Port Hudson, the enemy's sharpshooters picked 
off large numbers of our officers, hoping by this means to produce 
confusion in the attacking column of Federals. To a certain extent, 
this was successful ; but the Union forces had been so well drilled 
that, almost as quickly as they became confused, they reorganized 
afresh, and again marched forward to the attack. And there can 
exist no doubt that, had the works been at all pregnable, they would 
have been certainly carried ; but they were as strong as the famous 
Sebastopol, and it seemed almost rashness to attempt their capture, 
except by regular seige approaches. 

Foremost among the skirmishers of the 128th N. Y. Volunteers, 
who led the advance, was John Dutton. This heroic soldier, with 
the utmost coolness and bravery, pushed his way close up to the 
embankment from whose yawning embrasures the rebel cannon 
belched death among his comrades. Holding his position here, he 
continued to fire his piece until he had expended all his charges. 
Then creeping along the ground to where a dead comrade lay, he cut 
from the body a cartridge-box, and making his way back to his old 
place, reopened fire upon the foe. He Jiad nearly emptied this box 
of its charges, when he was singled out by a negro sharpshooter, who 
fired at him. The whistling ball passed between his neck and shoul- 
der, in such close proximity to the former that half an inch of space 
only saved the jugular vein, Dutton immediately brought his ia- 
tended slayer tumbling to the earth, from his hiding place in the top 
of a large tree. Even as he did so, however, he was seen by a Mis- 
sissippian, whose bullet struck our hero on the forefinger of the right 
hand. Cutting this finger off, it came in contact with the rifle stock, 
glanced down through the other fingers, and passing obliquely up- 
wards, crushed the metacarpal bones, in the middle of which it lodged. 

Thus disabled, Dutton retreated. Ere he had got out of range, he 
came across a comrade who had been wounded, and who was so weak 
as to be unable to move ; and, gently taking him on his back, he bore 
him safely to camp, though suffering excruciating agony from his own 
wound. The noble fellow was received with delight by his admiring 
comrades, and if not disabled, would have been promoted immediately. 



100 GENERAL BANKS AND THE ROLL OP HONOR. 



GENERAL BANKS AND THE ROLL OF HONOR. 



On June 15tb, it became necessary to make a final attempt to storm 
the fortifications at Port Hudson ; and, appreciating the peril of such 
an attack, General Banks, the gallant commander of the Union army, 
issued the following general order : 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
19th Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, June 15, 1863. 

General Orders, No. 49. — The commanding General congratulates 
the troops before Port Hudson upon the steady advance made upon 
the enemy's works, and is confident of an immediate and triumphant 
issue of the contest. We are at all points upon the threshold of his 
fortifications. One more advance, and they are ours ! 

For the last duty that victory imposes, the commanding General 
summons the bold men of the corps to the organization of a storming 
column of a thousand men, to vindicate the Flag of the Union, and 
the memory of its defenders who have fallen ! Let them come for- 
ward ! 

Ofiicers who lead the column of victory in this last assault may be 
assured of the just recognition of their services by promotion, and 
every officer and soldier who shares its perils and "its glory shall re- 
ceive a medal fit to commemorate the first grand success of the cam- 
paign of 1863 for the freedoTn of the Mississippi. His name will be 
placed in general orders upon 

THE ROLL OF HONOR. 

Division commanders will at once report the names of the officers 
and men who may volunteer for this service, in order that the organ- 
ization of the column may be completed without delay. 

By command of Major-General BANKS. 

Richard B. Irwin, Ass't Adj't-General. 

[Official.] Geo. B. Halstead, Ass't Adj't-General. 

We will publish a. full and correct list of the names-of these Heroes 
of Port Hudson in our next issue, obtained directly from the head- 
quarters of General Banks. 



§D 2 0.2 



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